The College presents 2026 Research Excellence Awards to pioneering optometry researchers
The College of Optometrists presented its prestigious annual Research Excellence Awards to 2026’s winners at its annual Diploma and Awards Ceremony on 10 November at Central Hall in Westminster, London.
Professor James Wolffsohn FCOptom
University of Waterloo, Canada, was awarded The Frank Petticrew Award for his significant contributions to contact lens practice and research.
Dr Deborah Bott MCOptom
City St George’s, University of London, was awarded The George Giles Postgraduate Research Prize for leading research on improving glaucoma medication adherence using a theory-driven intervention approach.
Dr Hannah Dunbar MCOptom
Senior Research Fellow, University College London, Institute of Ophthalmology and Principal Optometrist at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, was presented with The Neil Charman Medal for Research for work with the European MACUSTAR Consortium and research across retinal disease and visual rehabilitation.
Bethany Cox MCOptom
Received The Giles Van Colle Memorial Award for her work on access to eye care for children with learning disability and/or autism during her MSc studies at Cardiff University.
Dr Lisa Ostrin
Professor and Dean of Graduate Studies and Research, State University of New York College of Optometry, received the Bernard Gilmartin OPO Award for her article 'Red light instruments for myopia exceed safety limits' (2024).
“I’d like to extend my congratulations on behalf of the College to the remarkable recipients of this year’s Research Excellence Awards. The optometric research community plays a key role in helping move our profession forward, turning curiosity and evidence into better outcomes for patients and stronger clinical practice. These awards are an important opportunity to celebrate the individuals whose work is expanding knowledge and shaping the future of optometry, optics and vision science, and we congratulate our winners for their significant achievements.”
Professor Irene Ctori, FCOptom, President of The College of Optometrists