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

Women in vision science – the latest issue of OPO

The latest issue of OPO is a tribute to Dame Ida Mann, and celebrates leading female vision scientists.

Research

Blazing the trail for women in vision science

Podcast: This month we talk to the inspirational Professor Shahina Pardhan - the first female Professor of Optometry in the UK.

Research Workforce

Vision and driving in the latest Optometry in Practice

Our latest issue of Optometry in Practice looks at contributing factors to road traffic accidents

Driving and vision Research

Myopia management: Cochrane review updates the evidence

Our Director of Research, Michael Bowen, looks at how the Cochrane review will affect our guidance on myopia management.

Myopia Research

Career profile: Dr Keziah Latham

Dr Keziah Latham, the low vision specialist, discusses how teaching, research and clinical practice are interlinked.

Glaucoma Low vision Research

The latest research

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

Myopia Research

Treating eye disease with gene therapy

Podcast: Optometrist and researcher Jasleen Kaur Jolly MCOptom talks to Martin about how she got into research, imposter syndrome, how gene therapy works, which conditions are closer to being treated with gene therapy and what that means for optometrists, as well as the brain and the eye.

Low vision Research

The College of Optometrists celebrates researchers at its annual Diploma Ceremony

The College of Optometrists recognised the achievements of new and established researchers at its annual Diploma Ceremony at Central Hall Westminster in London on Tuesday.

Research