To mark World Sight Day, new analysis of UK eye tests data estimates that only around 5% of the total population of children aged five years and under had an eye test in 2025, despite optometrists and opticians recommending that children should be taken for their first regular eye test by the time they start school, from age three to four years old.
ABDO, Boots Opticians, the College and Specsavers have all come together to deliver a public awareness campaign on the importance of children receiving a full sight test before they start school, around three to four years old.
Online CPD courses for optometrists on the topic of children's eye care.
The College of Optometrists, Association of British Dispensing Opticians and the OSA partner in new campaign to raise awareness of the importance of children’s eye tests and better signposting for parents to children’s eye care professionals on the High Street.
The College’s Guidance for Professional Practice is the essential reference for optometrists in all work environments. It provides the support and guidance they need to make the right clinical and professional decisions in a range of situations, and to put their patient’s interests first.
Find out what our Clinical Adviser has to say about a study published by the University of Hong Kong linking COVID-19 restrictions, screen time and myopia in children.
The clinical figures that count.
Eye health issues that are making the news.
Adrian O'Dowd examines how optometrists can prepare for and best handle a backlog of child myopia diagnoses caused by the pandemic.
Dr Louise Terry MCOptom on how her own experience of myopia is informing innovative ways to manage the condition in children.
MHRA agrees with the College view that chloramphenicol eye drops can be safely administered to children aged 0 to 2 years, where antibiotic eye drop treatment is indicated.
We provide advice on protecting the public's vision and eye health this summer. Scroll down for graphics you can use to help share our message.
Podcast: We answer questions there wasn't time to answer during the webinar discussing recent findings from the part College-funded Northern Ireland Childhood Errors of Refraction (NICER) Study.
Use our online resources and materials to support your continuing professional development and earn essential CPD points.
Emma Bennett explores the link between a rise in screen time during the pandemic and increasing levels of myopia in children.
The College has reviewed the evidence on the potential risks of using chloramphenicol POM eye drops for children less than 2 years old.
The College's position on the use of Chloramphenicol POM in paediatric populations.