Why Optometry Tomorrow 2026 is the conference you can’t afford to miss!

7 April 2026
Acuity digital

In a profession that continues to evolve at pace, staying confident, connected, and clinically sharp has never been more important.

Optometry Tomorrow 2026 will be delivered by The College of Optometrists in partnership with Association of British Dispensing Opticians, Royal College of Ophthalmologists, and Royal College of Nursing.  

Taking place on 14–15 June at the Harrogate Convention Centre, this flagship clinical conference brings together optometrists, dispensing opticians, contact lens opticians, ophthalmologists, ophthalmic nurses, practice owners, and the wider eye care profession to learn, connect and grow. The two-day conference includes over 50 unmissable sessions, with over 90 CPD points available. Sessions span four themes: clinical confidence and excellence; multidisciplinary working; professional development, education and career growth; and technology and innovation.  

But what makes it truly worth attending? 

A programme built around real clinical practice 

Built around the realities of modern practice, the programme offers sessions to strengthen clinical confidence, sharpen decision-making, and provide practical tools you can immediately apply. 

With workshops like 24 Hours in A&E, where delegates work through urgent care scenarios, to condition-focused sessions on myopia, dry eye, and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), the learning is grounded in real-world scenarios. Sessions such as Drusen or danger? help clinicians navigate complex diagnostic decisions with greater clarity and confidence. 

This is not abstract theory: it’s practical, relevant, and directly applicable to everyday patient care. 

Learn from leading experts across disciplines 

A key strength of the event is its multidisciplinary approach, reflecting how eye care is delivered in today’s collaborative healthcare landscape. 

Sessions span paediatric dispensing, artificial intelligence (AI), legal risk, prescribing, and shared care pathways, giving every member of the practice team the opportunity to learn side by side. 

Another highlight is inspiring keynote speaker Paralympian Darren Harris, England’s highest capped and most decorated blind footballer, who will offer a fresh perspective on communication, resilience, and professional growth. 

This breadth ensures that whether your focus is clinical excellence, patient communication, or practice management, you’ll gain insights from leaders at the forefront of the profession. 

Strengthen the skills that matter most

The conference places a strong emphasis on developing the skills that underpin safe and effective practice. Attendees can expect to: 

  • build confidence in complex areas such as keratoconus and contact lens fitting 
  • improve detection and management of retinal and glaucoma-related conditions  
  • tailor treatment plans that improve long-term outcomes for dry eye and MGD 
  • enhance communication with all patients, from children and their guardians to elderly and more vulnerable people 
  • strengthen clinical judgement in uncertain or high-pressure situations 
  • stay up to date with emerging evidence and evolving best practice 

These are the skills that make a tangible difference to patient outcomes and your confidence and consistency in clinic. 

Go beyond CPD with meaningful professional growth

While CPD is a core benefit, Optometry Tomorrow 2026 goes further. Sessions on AI, emerging research and shared care help you to stay ahead in a rapidly changing profession. Dedicated time for resilience and wellbeing reflects the realities of modern clinical practice, recognising that supporting patients starts with supporting practitioners.  

Our new Learning & Community Zone is designed as a welcoming hub where you can connect, recharge, and explore informal, bite-size learning opportunities. Centred around the themes of learning, wellbeing, community, and professional development, this space will offer moments to pause, take part, learn, and engage in conversations that matter. 

Our large and renowned exhibition brings together all the major brands and organisations in optometry for you to meet face to face, and learn about the new instruments, evidence-based treatments, technologies and eye wear on the market today. 

A supportive community and valuable networking 

What makes the conference truly special is the sense of community it fosters. Whether it’s conversations over coffee, shared problem-solving during workshops, or spontaneous discussions sparked by a clinical question, the event creates space for genuine connection. 

These moments often spark new collaborations, mentoring relationships and shared problem-solving that extend well beyond the conference weekend. This collaborative atmosphere is what transforms the conference from a learning event into a shared professional experience. 

Delegates networking in the exhibitor zone at the Optometry Tomorrow conference

Tailored learning for every stage of your career 

The programme supports a wide range of professionals, from newly qualified optometrists building confidence, to independent prescribers refining clinical decision-making, to supervisors developing their mentoring skills. 

With varied formats, including small group learning and peer discussions, you can shape your experience around your own goals and career stage. 

An inspiring location to learn and recharge 

Set in the elegant spa town of Harrogate, the conference offers more than just professional development. From the tranquil Valley Gardens to the historic Turkish Baths Harrogate, there are plenty of opportunities to relax and recharge after a day of learning. 

This balance of education and environment makes attending the conference both productive and enjoyable. 

An event designed to support you

Optometry Tomorrow 2026 stands out because it is built with a clear purpose: to support eye care professionals in delivering better care, with greater confidence and connection. 

Whether you’re looking to sharpen your clinical skills, explore new ideas, expand your professional network, or simply feel re-energised in your role, this conference offers something meaningful. 

At a time when the demands on practitioners continue to grow, investing in your development has never been more important and Optometry Tomorrow 2026 provides the ideal place to do just that. 

And don’t forget: this conference is the perfect use of your Optometry CPD Grant. 

"This year’s programme has been shaped with one purpose: to support you. Practice is changing fast, and we’ve built a weekend that brings clinical excellence, fresh thinking and genuine community together in one place. 

"Expect practical sessions, new content on AI and emerging evidence, more small group learning, and dedicated space for mental fitness and wellbeing. Because looking after patients starts with looking after ourselves. 

"But what I love most? The conversations. The “I’ve always wondered about that…” moments. The chance to learn from each other and feel part of something bigger. 

"Whether you’re newly qualified or decades in, there’s something here for you, to recharge, reconnect and leave feeling more confident about whatever comes next. 

“I can’t wait to welcome you to Harrogate.”

Hassnain Safdar BSc DipTp(IP) MCOptom 
Trustee, Council Member – East Midlands, practice owner and Chair of the Optometry Tomorrow Programme Advisory Panel 

Find out more

  • Optometry Tomorrow takes place on 14-15 June 2026 at Harrogate Convention Centre
  • Take advantage of the early bird discount - available until 17 April 2026
  • More about Optometry Tomorrow

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.

Optometry Tomorrow 2026 is bigger and bolder than ever. Over two days in Harrogate (14-15 June 2026), join 1,000+ eye care professionals for 50+ expert-led sessions, practical workshops, clinical updates and 90+ CPD points.

Book now