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.

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

Nominations now open for Research Excellence Awards 2025

The College’s Research Excellence Awards recognise and celebrate achievements in optometric research, and how they enrich the profession.

Latest in Acuity

News in numbers - spring 2025

The clinical figures that count.

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

College research journal increases impact on international scale

Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics (OPO) retains its position as the top-ranked optometry journal in the world.

Research

Optometry, driving and vision: take part in our survey

Take part in our latest research project in conjunction with the University of Warwick and the Department for Transport

Consultations Driving and vision Public health Research

College of Optometrists’ survey shows 15 percent of people in Wales noticed their vision get worse

Survey published as optometric services expand across Wales to offer wider care to patients

Public health Research Wales

College survey shows 22 percent of people noticed their vision get worse during lockdown

Survey published as optometric services expand across England to offer wider care to patients

Infectious diseases Public health Research

Vitamin D and COVID-19 – what is the link?

Does vitamin D play a role in reducing the risk of COVID-19 infection, and what does this mean to the UK’s BAME communities? Mike Bowen, Director of Research at the College of Optometrists, considers the evidence.

AI and technology Infectious diseases Public health Research

Research Excellence Awards: Dr Keziah Latham interview

With nominations deadline for the Research Excellence Awards fast approaching, we’re talking to previous winners about the outstanding research happening in optometry, optics and vision science.

Low vision Research

Optometrists across England expand services to offer wider care to patients

Services expand as The College of Optometrists’ survey shows 22% of people noticed their vision get worse over the course of lockdown

Infectious diseases Public health Research England

Research Excellence Awards: Dr Jonathan Denniss interview

With nominations deadline for the Research Excellence Awards fast approaching, we’re talking to previous winners about the outstanding research happening in optometry, optics and vision science.

Glaucoma Research