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As the Welsh Optometric Committee (WOC) issues a “climate emergency” declaration, Kathy Oxtoby speaks to Tim Morgan MCOptom at Health Education and Improvement Wales on the implications for the profession.

Around 18 million GOS forms are filled out by hand every year, but an online system is now available to submit claims electronically to PCSE. Natalie Healey explores the implications for practice, and an early adopter shares top tips for making the move.

From 3D printed frames to luxurious objects of desire, Anna Scott looks at the ascent of bespoke spectacles.

How should you market your business while avoiding outlandish claims and falling foul of the Advertising Standards Authority? Juliette Astrup reports.

Kathy Oxtoby looks at the approaches practitioners can take to running a busy clinic.

29 March 2019, the day the UK leaves the European Union, is rapidly approaching. What will the ramifications of Brexit be for optometrists?

As the Brexit transition period comes to an end and trade talks reach a critical stage, we ask industry experts what leaving the EU means for the UK optometry sector.

Anna Scott asks why so many optometrists are opting for a portfolio career.

Kathy Oxtoby reports on how practitioners can make the most of social media to develop their practice, what works well, and what to avoid.

The college's key achievements in 2020-21: inspiring, informing and supporting optometrists, patients and the public.

Key statistics from 40 years of college research

Which optometric services across the UK are taking on more of the healthcare burden, asks John Windell.

It is not mere sentiment, says Rima Evans – compassion is a behaviour that can bring about significant improvements in treatment, optometrist wellbeing and business outcomes.

Did you know the damage that careless contact lens disposal can inflict?

Contact lens usage now and in the past

Researchers explored whether visual information from a suppressed amblyopic eye can influence the conscious perception of stimuli presented to the fellow eye. We take a look at their study.

Professional boundaries can blur in online interactions. The language we use and our posts on social media may bring negative consequences for individual careers and the profession. Anna Scott asks what optometrists should know.

Disputes within a team can reduce its effectiveness and be detrimental to patient care. Claire Moulds looks at ways to successfully manage those team members at loggerheads.

Whether the perpetrator is a patient, a colleague or a manager, sexual harassment in the workplace should never be brushed under the carpet, writes Abi Millar.

People of different ethnicities are at increased risk of different eye conditions.

Supporting patients in using their eye drops safely and easily.

Staff benefits can help companies to attract talent and keep employees happy and motivated, writes Kathy Oxtoby. But – from dog-walking services to flexible working – what perks do employees prize the most?

Women outnumber men in optometry – but do they reach the senior positions and salary levels they deserve? Jo Waters reports.

Léa Surugue discusses opening up new patient streams by switching to corneal topography.

College members identify the best uses of LinkedIn, the benefits it can bring, and their recommendations for making the most of this social networking site.

Acuity explores how businesses must now take extra care with its rules on data privacy, consent and security.

Practice pressures are causing some practitioners to switch to a private model, reports Kathy Oxtoby.

How to offer patients the best help around headaches.

How can health coaching improve patient outcomes and strengthen the patient-practitioner relationship? Sophie Goodchild explores the benefits and challenges of personalising care and empowering your patients.

With an array of bodies working hard to represent the sector’s interests, this guide shows what each one does, and how they interact.

Studying for an MBA is often the route of choice for those with business or managerial career ambitions, writes John Windell. But what exactly does it entail? And who should consider it?

We highlight some of the takeaways from the Royal College of Ophthalmologists’ national cataract audit.

How the pandemic has created new trends in contact lens wear and compliance.

It’s frustrating when a patient reaches the consulting room door only to bring up a new topic, writes Steve Smethurst. How can communication be improved to avoid this?

Kathy Oxtoby asks how optometrists can keep patients calm and handle difficult conversations.

Do your homework before buying a new slit lamp to ensure you get a model that best suits your needs, writes Rima Evans.

When patients ask you about the latest miracle cure or danger to their sight, Kaye McIntosh asks, what’s the best way to respond?

From vaccine hesitancy to blue-light filters, Steve Smethurst looks at the erroneous but unbudgeable beliefs that should be buried for good.

Handovers are an essential, but often overlooked, aspect of the patient’s journey. Abi Millar shows why handovers are so important and what it takes to get it right.

Whether encouraging effort or tackling poor performance, interactions with colleagues can enter sensitive territory, writes Steve Smethurst.

Rima Evans speaks to the optometrists who have forged an academic career.

Going back to work after a long break can be daunting. Sophie Goodchild provides advice and insights on making a successful return to the consulting room.

Create a welcoming environment to ensure excellent customer service for young and old, says Emma White.

Kaye McIntosh explains how to make helpful and knowledgeable contacts in both virtual and real-world settings.

Providing appropriate and respectful eye exams for people with different learning needs is a crucial skill for optometrists, says Anna Scott.

It’s crucial to show empathy towards patients who are visually impaired. Kellie Smith explores how clinicians can get it right.

Kathy Oxtoby asks how optometrists can communicate effectively with patients who cannot verbally communicate.

The use of family members as interpreters by non-English speaking patients is a long-established tradition, but there is a better way, writes Steve Smethurst.

Volunteering from your own home allows optometrists to contribute their skills and experience while fitting it around other commitments, writes Kellie Smith.

Publishing a case study to share what you have learnt can be a highly enjoyable and educational aspect of practice. In each print edition of Acuity, we publish a member case study, why not submit your own after reading these 10 tips?

What makes a good referral letter, what information is a ‘must-have’, and how much information is too much? Kathy Oxtoby reports.

Domiciliary optometrists require flexibility, adaptability and good communication with vulnerable patients, writes Léa Surugue.

In each issue, Acuity poses a topical question to a panel of members - Spring 2023.

In each issue, Acuity poses a topical question to a panel of members.

In each issue, Acuity poses a topical question to a panel of members.

In each issue, Acuity poses a topical question to a panel of members.

Kathy Oxtoby reports on how the introduction of tax law changes in the private sector will affect locums and employers.

Léa Surugue asks if men are being deterred from becoming optometrists or whether women simply find the profession’s increasingly flexible work patterns more amenable.

Optometrists often share premises with audiologists, but what other businesses work well in tandem with optometry? Steve Smethurst shows how additional services can improve patient experience and make good business sense.

No one became an optometrist because they enjoyed keeping records, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a vital skill, says Steve Smethurst.

How frames and lenses are made.

Online eyewear sales surged during Covid-19. With many patients still opting to buy online, says Helen Bird, how can optometrists reassert their value and help to drive dispensing back in store?

Key statistics on optometry around the world.

John Windell asks whether more practices should consider adding the specially designed night-time RGP lenses to their portfolios.

Remote consultations were seen as a short-term pandemic solution, but they look like they’re here to stay. Steve Smethurst looks at the benefits of tele-optometry and the video software optometrists should consider.

Hone the overlooked skills that can improve your clinical confidence and make a real difference to the patient experience.

Léa Surugue asks why patients don’t show up to appointments and how to ensure greater attendance levels.

Kaye McIntosh advises on getting involved in systemic changes.

The key statistics behind stem cell therapy and eye health

Léa Surugue discusses taking a needs-based approach to clinical care, and the need to build communication and training skills.

The College celebrates its 40th anniversary.

How could – and should – the consulting room evolve in line with clinical practice? Sophie Goodchild explores those aspects optometrists must consider to modernise and future-proof their examination space.

Confusion over lissamine green’s legal status has been a major brake on its take-up. But new guidance is set to change that, writes Sophie Goodchild.

The latest numbers from the General Optical Council (GOC)

Natalie Healey looks at how new clinical and business skills can help retain and attract patients.

The second part of our article on building your brand using social media focuses on practical hints and tips to improve your engagement with patients.

Key facts about the effects of UV radiation (UVR) on the eye

Optometrists must make plain to patients the risks and benefits involved in any eye treatment or care. Rima Evans asks how they can sharpen their communication so patients feel fully informed.

Key statistics from the WHO World report on vision 2019.

Where do you start when writing a clinical case study? We summarise the steps with advice from College Director of Knowledge and Research Mike Bowen.