15 October 2025

College announces official partners for Optometry Tomorrow 2026

New partnerships will further expand the flagship conference’s renowned learning programme for 2026’s delegates

The College of Optometrists has today announced that the Association of British Dispensing Opticians, Royal College of Nursing and Royal College of Ophthalmologists will be its official partners for Optometry Tomorrow 2026, the College’s flagship conference for members and associate members. 

Optometry Tomorrow takes place on Sunday 14 and Monday 15 June 2026 at Harrogate Convention Centre and will bring together optometrists, dispensing opticians, contact lens opticians, ophthalmic nurses, ophthalmologists and other eye health care professionals from across the UK to learn, connect and grow.  

The new partnerships will enhance the conference’s programme with essential multi-disciplinary learning to support eye care professionals from across all healthcare pathways in delivering excellence in patient eye care.

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Alistair Bridge CEO at Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO), commented: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with the College of Optometrists to provide a high-quality clinical conference for both optometrists and dispensing opticians. As key members of the practice team, they play vital and complementary roles in providing excellent care to patients – and this conference will enable them to learn about the latest clinical developments, and from each other.” 

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Carmel Bagness, Royal College of Nursing Professional Lead supporting the RCN Ophthalmic Nursing forum committee, said, “Nursing staff know only too well the importance of maintaining good eye health and having access to high-quality eye care professionals. The Royal College of Nursing is delighted to be part of this conference and the opportunity to share and learn from best practice, to grow clinical learning, and give our patients the best possible care.” 

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Ali Rivett, Chief Executive of The Royal College of Ophthalmologists, said, “As part of the multidisciplinary eye care team, we look forward to collaborating on learning and development opportunities that will benefit all our members and support them to continue delivering first class patient care.” 

Across two days delegates can expect: 

  • A wide variety of leading hands-on practical clinical learning 
  • High standard of CPD, including peer reviews and workshops 
  • The latest sector insights, innovation and future focused talks 
  • A new informal learning and community zone to learn about new products, catch up on latest clinical practice and learn about how you can make the next step in your career 
  • A vibrant exhibition and networking space to connect with colleagues and professionals from across the sector.

Members and associate members are encouraged to save the date in their diaries. Bookings will open in January 2026. Find out more at Optometry Tomorrow - College of Optometrists.

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