The Latest News
New partnership focussed on improving eye health services for Gloucestershire

Newmedica has taken on its first trainee nurse as part of a partnership with the University of Gloucestershire to train tomorrow’s top ophthalmology nurses.
Eyecare advice is provided as children go back to school
Parents are concerned about their child's time spent on screens but view new shoes as ‘more important’ than eye tests for back to school.
Allergan Submits New Drug Application for Investigational Eye Drop for the Treatment of Presbyopia
Allergan announced that it has submitted a new drug application to the FDA for investigational AGN-190584 (pilocarpine 1.25%) ophthalmic solution for the treatment of presbyopia
New Editor for OLA Online
Kevin Gutsell FBDO (Hons) SLD will become the new editor of Ophthalmic Lens Availability Online (OLA Online) for the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO), taking over from retiring editor Phil Gilbert.
Transitions Optical Shared “The Pulse” of the Optical Industry During Virtual Event
Transitions Optical gathered over 10,000 industry professionals from 98 countries in North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia online for a first of its kind, global virtual event—Transitions® The Pulse.Full Story
Changes to PPE reimbursement scheme system in NI and also deadlines very close
The DoH has made funding available to reimburse primary care optometry practices for PPE procured for use...but deadlines approach
GOC suspends Glasgow based optometrist
The General Optical Council (GOC), the UK regulator for optometrists and dispensing opticians, has decided to suspend an optometrist based in Glasgow, from its register for six months.
1.1 billion people live with vision loss and 90% of vision loss is preventable or treatable.
There are 1.1 billion people globally with vision loss and 2 to 3 billion more people need ongoing access to services to optimise their vision and ability to function in society.
The College of Optometrists’ Optometry Tomorrow Bitesize to take place as month-long online learning event
The College of Optometrists is running Optometry Tomorrow Bitesize as a month-long online learning event for members, starting from Tuesday 2 March.
Clinical Hub launched for ABDO members
The Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) has launched a clinical hub for members which will bring together up to date research and current knowledge on a range of topics
College President comments on the Education Strategic Review, published this week
Colin Davidson, President, College of Optometrists comments on the Education Strategic Review.
OBITUARY: BERNARD MAITENAZ, "The Clairvoyant"

The Chairwoman of Silmo Paris, Amélie Morel, and the Silmo executive board were sad to learn of the decease of Bernard Maitenaz, an extraordinary figure whose contributions to eye health are acclaimed by the entire profession.
Save the Date for National Eye Health Week 2021
Eye Health UK announces National Eye Health Week 2021 (NEHW) will run from 20 to 26 September
AIO Conference to go ahead on 9th and 10th October
AIO has announced that its Annual Conference will take place at Chesford Grange in Warwickshire on 9th and 10th October 2021.
KOMONO introduces eco-acetate and recycled acetate to work on a better future

KOMONO is taking a pioneering role in rendering innovative design not only accessible but also viable on the long term
Students gear up for up for Optoversity challenge on 21 march
Optometry students are gearing up for Out of the Box Optoversity Challenge, when they will test their knowledge against others in the same year group across the UK
West Midlands health and social care teams awarded innovation and improvement funding
Six health and social care teams from across the West Midlands have been awarded up to £10,000 in funding from the West Midlands Academic Health Science Network (WMAHSN).
Hewlett, Health Analyst for FODO, reflects on the Global Eye Health: vision beyond 2020
In 2020 the European Coalition for Vision wrote to political leaders across Europe to mark the culmination of the VISION 2020 global initiative to eliminate avoidable sight loss. Globally progress had been made, but there was still a long way to go.
CCEHC makes recommendations for children who have missed out on vision screening due to COVID-19.
COVID-19 has caused major interruptions in education and child health services. This has meant that Child Vision Screening services have been delayed, postponed or cancelled for some of the children who started Reception Year in 2019 (and possibly some who started in 2020),
HCPC publishes report on the professions it regulates and the unregulated expansion of advanced care.
The Health Care and Professions Council (HCPC) regulates fifteen different professions; some of these are large groups like Physiotherapists and some are much smaller such as Speech and Language Therapists (SLT). It rpeorts on extension fo the Scope of Practice.
College of Ophthalmology produce report on Ophthalmic Imaging.
Ophthalmic imaging is an integral part of the work of all ophthalmic departments.
David Probert to take on CEO role at University College London Hospitals

David Probert, chief executive at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, has announced today that he is to leave his role to take up a new position as chief executive at University College London Hospitals (UCLH)
AIO Challenges the DVLA
The Association for Independent Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians (AIO) has challenged the DVLA in respect of letters that are being sent to members of the public by the ‘Drivers Medical Group’ which include the wording ‘Based on information that has been received
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