1 October 2025

Inspiring the next generation: student roadshows 2025

Workforce 2025

During a busy September, the College travelled around the UK to meet excited first-year optometry students as part of its 2025 student roadshows.

From Glasgow to Plymouth, we met over 1,000 students across 14 universities, introducing the profession, running quizzes, handing out freebies, and most importantly, inspiring the next generation of optometrists. You can the full range of activities on our College Instagram. 

Universities we visited

We met first-year students either in-person or virtually from:

  • Anglia Ruskin University
  • Aston University
  • Cardiff University
  • University of Lancashire 
  • City St George's, University of London
  • Glasgow Caledonian University
  • University of Hertfordshire
  • University of Highlands & Islands
  • University of Huddersfield
  • University of Manchester
  • University of Plymouth
  • Teeside University
  • Ulster University
  • University of the West of England - Bristol

College support

Whilst at university, all optometry students receive free membership of the College and benefit from our range of guidance and support, from clinical guidance on the app, to having the opportunity to become a College Student Rep.

Those students on the integrated Master's degree will receive regular support from the College as they conduct their Clinical Learning in Practice (CLiP) placements in the third or fourth year of their degree.

We would like to extend a big thank you to the students, academic staff, College Council members and staff who made each university session a success.

Good luck to all those beginning their optometry journey!

Find out more

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