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

OPO celebration event marks 100-years of groundbreaking research in vision science and optometry

The event celebrated the past, present and future of Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics (OPO).

Latest in Acuity

The times they are a-changin

Chris Steele FCOptom, new Clinical Editor of Acuity, on change as a positive factor

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

NIHR: What data are clinically important to my practice?

MODULE 6: This online CPD course details the meaning of statistical significance and how this relates to clinical significance in practice.

Research

NIHR: Statistical methods; what, when and why?

MODULE 5: This online CPD course explores the use of statistical tests in hypothesis testing and when to use specific tests to analyse different data types.

Research

NIHR: Demystifying the data

MODULE 4: This online CPD course introduces the different types of data found in research studies and how they can be used alongside statistical analyses to understand and interpret the world around us.

Research

NIHR: Evaluating the method

MODULE 3: This online CPD course will help you evaluate methodological quality and determine whether a research study is relevant to you.

Research

NIHR: What is research and where do I find it

MODULE 2: This online CPD course will help you understand research evidence, understand the peer-review process, and identify discipline-specific journals.

Research

NIHR: Introduction to research

MODULE 1: This online CPD course helps you identify the difference between research, audit, and service evaluation, describe the main stages of the research process, and understand the importance of the ethical review process.

Research

Don’t miss Optometry Tomorrow 2024

There is still time to register for the College of Optometrists’ flagship event, Optometry Tomorrow.

Myopia Research

News in numbers - winter 2024

The clinical figures that count.

AI and technology Public health Research