8 December 2025

#TheCollegeWrapped: Our achievements from July to September 2025

From national policy influence, historic celebrations and new beginnings, July to September delivered impactful milestones shaping the future of eye care.

As we continue our #TheCollegeWrapped campaign, we turn to the summer months. It was a historic quarter marked by centenary celebrations, new beginnings, and milestones that are shaping the next era of optometry. From national campaigning to advances in education and community engagement, here’s what stood out from July to September 2025. 

Campaigning for mandatory sight tests

In July and August, our long-standing call for mandatory sight tests for drivers gained major national attention. We believe every driver should provide evidence of an up-to-date sight test when applying for or renewing their licence. This change would significantly improve road safety for all. Our campaign made headlines across the UK, and our work to influence policy in this area continues. 

A milestone in clinical education 

August marked a transformative moment for optometry education. University of Lancashire students became the first cohort to embark on their Clinical Learning in Practice (CLiP) placements. The College is working with the University of Lancashire and 11 other Universities across the UK to deliver CLiP for integrated master’s degrees that meet the GOC’s new Education and Training Requirements. 

100 years of our flagship journal

This summer, we celebrated an extraordinary landmark: 100 years of Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics (OPO), our leading vision science and optometry journal. Our centenary event brought together academics, researchers, and optometrists to reflect on OPO’s rich heritage and its impact on global vision science. The journal’s continued excellence ensures that research remains at the heart of our profession. 

Grand reopening of the British Optical Association Museum 

In September, we proudly reopened the British Optical Association Museum following renovations and the addition of new acquisitions. Officially reopened by Baroness Hayter, the museum, housed at our historic headquarters, is once again welcoming visitors and preserving the remarkable story of optical heritage. 

Student roadshows 2025 

We were delighted to welcome over 1,000 new optometry students during our autumn roadshows across 14 universities. All students receive free College membership, giving them access to clinical guidance, learning resources, events, and opportunities such as becoming a College Student Rep. Meeting the next generation face-to-face is always a highlight of our year. 

Topsy and Tim have their eyes tested

As part of National Eye Health Week, we partnered with Eye Health UK to send copies of Topsy and Tim Have Their Eyes Tested to school-based nurseries across England. This initiative helped raise awareness of the importance of routine eye tests for children, starting important conversations with families and educators. 

From centenary celebrations to campaigning for safer roads and supporting the next generation of students, July to September was a season that blended progress, heritage, and community impact. Stay with us as #TheCollegeWrapped continues through the final months of the year. 

Related further reading

Is the “reduce, reuse, recycle” trope realistic when it comes to optical products? Kaye McIntosh explores some of the ways in which manufacturers are reducing their footprint while equipping optometrists with the products essential to their business.

As we leave summer behind and head towards winter, growing demands on the NHS will no doubt fill news headlines.