Research

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

Research Strategy 2020-2025

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

#TheCollegeWrapped: Our achievements from October to December 2025

From celebrating new graduates to launching our five-year plan, the final months of 2025 marked a powerful step toward the future of eye care.

Latest in Acuity

The eyes have it

As we leave summer behind and head towards winter, growing demands on the NHS will no doubt fill news headlines.

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

Career profile: Professor Jonathan Jackson MCOptom

A conversation about clinical care in Northern Ireland and a passion for research.

Public health Research

Patients needed for focus group on myopia

The University of Bradford is running a focus group on 4 October for parents and children affected by myopia.

Myopia Research

News in numbers - Summer 2022

The clinical figures that count.

Glaucoma Public health Research

Behind the headlines - Summer 2022

Eye health issues that are making the news.

Low vision Public health Research

Tech news

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

AI and technology Dementia Public health Research

Why is research important?

The College has invested over £5m over the last 40 years on optometry and vision science studies. Sophie Goodchild explores how valued research is, how it’s been incorporated into evidence based practice, as well as the accompanying challenges and opportunities.

AMD AI and technology Public health Research

Workforce changes

Becky McCall asks how shifts in working practices caused by the COVID-19 pandemic might change the ophthalmic services workforce.

Infectious diseases Research Workforce

Applying evidence in practice

There are plenty of evidence-based resources to draw on, writes Dr Paramdeep Bilkhu MCOptom, Clinical Adviser for the College.

Independent prescribing Research