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

World-leading College research journal increases impact

Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics, the world’s top-ranked optometry journal, has significantly increased its key journal citation metrics.

Research

Enhanced Scheme Evaluation Project (ESEP)

The Enhanced Scheme Evaluation Project (ESEP) was launched in October 2012 to conduct evaluations of different enhanced/community-based eye care service models.

Cataract Glaucoma Public health Research

College of Optometrists releases ‘Forty Years of Research’ Report

The College of Optometrists has published a report reflecting on the history and impact of its research work and funding.

Research

College research: key facts spring 2021

Key statistics from 40 years of college research

Dementia Public health Research

The latest research

Here we summarise three research papers from a recent issue of Optometry in Practice.

Contact lenses Public health Research Retina

The College of Optometrists celebrates researchers at Optometry Tomorrow Bitesize event

The College of Optometrists presented the prestigious Research Excellence Awards today as part of Optometry Tomorrow Bitesize 2021.

AMD AI and technology Children Myopia Research

The latest research

Here we summarise three research papers from a recent issue of Optometry in Practice.

Public health Research

Childhood myopia: do you have a clear view?

Take part in our research on childhood myopia and inform future decisions on myopia management.

Children Myopia Research