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

The College of Optometrists recognises outstanding contributions to optometry

The College of Optometrists has announced it is awarding six new Life Fellowships, and one Honorary Fellowship, to individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the profession or to the Col

Research

The latest research

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

Children Glaucoma Myopia OCT Research

Myopia control – trick or treat?

With half the world's population estimated to be myopic by 2050, Olivier Denève, our Head of Policy and Public Affairs, asks how we can explain the risks and benefits to patients.

Myopia Policy Research

Gene therapy for rare eye disease set to be offered on NHS

Our Clinical Adviser comments on the BBC story about gene therapy to treat inherited retinal dystrophies.

Low vision Research

The latest research

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

Driving and vision Research

The gut – eye axis: can our intestines influence our eye health?

Our Director of Research, Mike Bowen, looks at the correlation between gut health and eye health.

Research

The College at ARVO

Our Head of Research, Martin Cordiner, reviews the highlights of ARVO, (the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology) the biggest vision science conference in the world.

Research

The latest research

Summaries of two research papers from a recent issue of Optometry in Practice.

Public health Research