Regional Event

OPO Centenary: Celebrating Research Excellence

Glasgow Caledonian University
Cowcaddens Road
Glasgow
G4 0BA
Scotland, UK

About the event

This half-day event will celebrate 100 years of the British Journal of Physiological Optics and its successor, Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics. The event will feature renowned scientists who have published in the journal discussing their work, as well as remarks on this history and future of the publication. Confirmed speakers include Mark Rosenfield, Neil Handley, Frank Schaeffel, Christine Dickinson, Jeremy Guggenheim, John Lawrenson, and Nicola Logan.

We're thrilled to welcome you to our special celebration event! 

As a token of our appreciation, we're offering exclusive invited guests a special discount.* Use code 'OPO100' at checkout to get your complimentary ticket.

*Please note, tickets are limited and if you are unable to attend and do not cancel your ticket by Sunday 24 August 2025, you will be charged the full amount of £35. If you do need to cancel your space, please email events@college-optometrists.org.

Programme:

  • 12.30pm-1pm: Lunch/Refreshments
  • 1pm-1:30pm: Registration
  • 1:30pm-1:35pm: Welcome - ‘OPO: Past, Present and Future': Mark Rosenfield
  • 1.35pm-2.05pm: 'Why it mattered then: The role of a professional clinical journal in the early development of the optometry profession': Neil Handley
  • 2.05pm-2.35pm: ‘Spectral composition of light and myopia:’ Frank Schaeffel
  • 2.35pm-3.05pm: ‘Challenges faced by individuals with visual impairment accessing healthcare in the UK’: Chris Dickinson
  • 3.05pm-3.35pm: Break
  • 3.35pm-4.05pm: ‘Genetic nurture, instrumental variables and myopia’: Jeremy Guggenheim
  • 4.05pm-4.35pm: Speaker 5
  • 4.35pm-5.05pm: Speaker 6
  • 5.05pm-5.15pm: Future of the journal
  • 5.30pm-6.30pm: Reception
Please note: the above programme is subject to changes.

Speakers

Neil Handley

Dr Neil Handley has been Curator of the British Optical Association Museum at The College of Optometrists since 1998. He is the author of the book ‘Cult Eyewear’ (2011) and is recognised as the principal authority on the history of the optometry profession in the UK. He is currently the Chairman of the Scientific Instrument Society, a professional reviewer for the Museums Association, a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers and a medallist and Past President of the Ocular Heritage Society of America.

Frank Schaeffel

Frank studied biology and physics in Freiburg, Germany, and has a PhD on Vision in Drosophila, and Postdoc with Howard Howland at Cornell University, USA. Frank was the Professor of Neurobiology of the Eye at the University of Tuebingen from 2000. Since 2020, Frank is the Senior Professor in Tuebingen and Guest Professor of Myopia Research at IOB Basel, Switzerland.

Frank has produced over 200 papers in PubMed, over 16,000 citations, h-index 68, 25 PhD students have completed in the lab, 10 Mio EURO grants since 1985, and has gained both the Max-Planck Award, and European Vision Award.

Christine Dickinson

Chris Dickinson is Professor of Clinical Optometry at the University of Manchester, and a Life Fellow of the College of Optometrists. Chris’s main teaching and research interest is in visual impairment. She is co-author of the book “Low Vision Principles and Management”, and her research involves evaluation of different rehabilitation approaches. 

Jeremy A. Guggenheim

Professor Jeremy A. Guggenheim is based at the School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, UK. His research addresses genetic and lifestyle risk factors for myopia. He is an Associate Editor of Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science and an Editorial Board Member of Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics. He recently served on the ‘Focus on Myopia’ consensus study committee United States, National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine.

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