18 May 2026

Four weeks to go until Optometry Tomorrow 2026

With just four weeks to go, now is the time to secure your place at Optometry Tomorrow 2026. The College of Optometrists' flagship conference takes place on 14 and 15 June at the Harrogate Convention Centre.

Two days of learning, connection and clinical confidence 

Optometry Tomorrow 2026 offers two days of hands-on learning to build practical skills and real-world confidence, as well as clinical insights spanning AI, glaucoma, dry eye, myopia and more. With 90+ CPD points available across 50+ sessions, eye care professionals can make significant progress towards their annual CPD requirements by covering well over half in a single event.   

With a bigger exhibition this year, including the new learning and community zone, there has never been a better opportunity to connect with colleagues and the wider professional community. The new zone includes a learning stage with presentations on new products and support, drop ins to speak to experts on career paths, higher qualifications and wellbeing, a meet up space and a chill-out area.

Programme highlights

  • Wonder Women of Eye Care: Chaired by Dr Cindy Tromans, President of the World Council of Optometry, panel members Dame Mary Perkins DBE, co-founder of Specsavers, Professor Roxanne Crosby-Nwaobi, clinical academic ophthalmic nurse at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, and Dr Alicia Thompson, research director at Association of British Dispensing Opticians. They share the experiences, lessons and strategies that have helped them overcome challenges and create new opportunities for themselves and others, offering delegates insight, motivation, and practical inspiration for their own professional journeys. 
  • AI and the future of vision care: This dynamic panel session, chaired by Professor Irene Ctori, Dean of the School of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences at the University of Hertfordshire, will explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping eye health. They discuss diverse perspectives on emerging applications in diagnostics, treatment planning and education, as well as the ethical, workforce and patient centred questions AI raises. 
  • Unblind your mind: how to become a champion: an inspirational keynote address from Paralympian Darren Harris, exploring communication, leadership and professional growth.  
  • The Great British Peer Review: working in small groups, delegates will discuss three cases guided by an experienced facilitator - all supporting reflection and professional growth. 

The packed programme of clinical updates, practical skills workshops and expert-led talks have been shaped by member feedback and the College's expert advisory panel. 

The College has also collaborated with Optometry Tomorrow’s new partners, the Association of British Dispensing Opticians, the Royal College of Nursing and the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, to ensure a truly multidisciplinary perspective for the 2026 programme.     

CooperVision and Johnson & Johnson are gold sponsors of Optometry Tomorrow 2026. Optometry Tomorrow 2026’s media partner is OpchatNews.com and Mylocaloptician.co.uk, published by Primary Health Net.    

Related further reading

Enhance your confidence, refine your approach, and deliver exceptional vision solutions for your presbyopic patients.

Enhance your confidence, refine your approach, and deliver exceptional vision solutions for your presbyopic patients.

Enhance your confidence, refine your approach, and deliver exceptional vision solutions for your presbyopic patients.