The year 2025 marks a significant milestone in the history of optometry in the UK: the 100th anniversary of the first issue of the British Journal of Physiological Optics, the precursor to the College journal Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics (OPO). This centenary offers us a unique opportunity to reflect on the progress we’ve made as a profession, while also contemplating the future of optometry and the direction in which we are heading.
The very first article, published in 1925, was entitled “Near Sight and Civilization”. The author, Sir Arthur Keith, questioned whether the rising prevalence of myopia at the time was a “coming change” necessary to adapt our vision to the demands of close work required by modern civilisation. Fast forward a century, and the profession is still grappling with myopia control and ongoing discussions about the long-term effects of near work on its progression. What a remarkable testament to how enduring some of these challenges are, and yet how much we have learned and evolved in the process!
Looking at the long list of esteemed contributors to OPO and the incredible wealth of knowledge they’ve provided, it’s easy to appreciate the significance of the phrase “standing on the shoulders of giants”. As optometrists, we are the beneficiaries of decades of research and practice that have shaped the way we provide care today. The evidence-based practice we engage in is grounded in the work of those who came before us, and it informs everything we do.
Looking ahead, I am curious about how the role of the optometrist will continue to evolve. How will the articles published in 2025 be viewed by optometrists in 2125? While technological advancements and artificial intelligence will no doubt continue to shape the profession, I sincerely hope that future optometrists will still offer the human element of care that is such an essential part of our profession today. The newly qualified optometrists joining us this autumn at the College Diploma Ceremony will undoubtedly be equipped with cutting-edge tools and technology to support their practice.
However, as they embark on their careers, it is crucial they remember that the core of optometry remains the human touch – the compassionate, individualised care that makes a real difference in every patient interaction.
