Research

College research projects help to build a scientific evidence base that informs and influences College and national policies.

Research Strategy 2025-2030

This sets out how the College will approach research over the next few years and the key challenges it may face.

Forty years of research

For over four decades, the College has led the way in advancing eye health through world-class research, funding, and professional support.

Research grants and funding

Find out about the range of financial and practical support we offer College members undertaking research.

Research Excellence Awards

These awards recognise and celebrate the considerable achievements of our members involved in optometric research.

“The Undergraduate Research Scholarship has had a profound impact on my academic and professional development. It has equipped me with essential skills in interdisciplinary collaboration, script writing, and experiment design.”

“This scholarship has not only enhanced my confidence in research but has also opened my eyes to the possibilities of contributing to the field.”

Ifeoluwa Adeleke, Undergraduate Research Scholarship recipient

In the news

College publishes first issue of Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics (OPO) with Springer Nature

The College of Optometrists has published its first issue of Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics (OPO), its flagship international and interdisciplinary research journal for contemporary vision science and optometry, with its new publishing partner Springer Nature this month.

Latest in Acuity

Seeing more, doing better

Chris Steele FCOptom, Clinical Editor of Acuity, looks at the brink of a major medical shift.

Online CPD

Research courses

Online CPD courses for eye health professionals in collaboration with Ulster University and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).

Access our journal

Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics (OPO)

The College of Optometrists’ research journal, OPO, has been the world’s top ranked optometry since 2014.

More on research

Seeing more, doing better

Chris Steele FCOptom, Clinical Editor of Acuity, looks at the brink of a major medical shift.

AI and technology Public health Research Workforce

News in numbers - spring 2026

The clinical figures that count.

Glaucoma Low vision Public health Research Retina

Behind the headlines - spring 2026

Eye health issues that are making the news.

Public health Research Retina

Tech news - spring 2026

A glance at what’s happening in the world of technology.

AMD Binocular vision Cataract Children Public health Research

How optometrists can take part in clinical trials

In the second of a two-part series, Sophie Goodchild looks at how optometrists have been involved in clinical trials, and how more can take part.

AMD Public health Research

How close are smart contact lenses to moving into everyday clinical practice?

Becky McCall asks: how close are smart contact lenses to moving out of the research arena into everyday clinical practice?

Contact lenses Research

Did you know... about the Green Charter?

Eye care is evolving. Learn how demographic shifts, market growth and new technologies are expected to reshape vision care by 2035.

Public health Research Sustainability

College publishes first issue of Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics (OPO) with Springer Nature

The College of Optometrists has published its first issue of Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics (OPO), its flagship international and interdisciplinary research journal for contemporary vision science and optometry, with its new publishing partner Springer Nature this month.

Public health Research