Optometry Tomorrow 2026 – Early bird booking is now open

Sunday 14 and Monday 15 June at the Harrogate Convention Centre.  

Secure your place today and take advantage of the early bird discount for the best value tickets 

Bookings open today for Optometry Tomorrow 2026, The College of Optometrists’ flagship conference, on Sunday 14 and Monday 15 June at the Harrogate Convention Centre.  

Optometry Tomorrow 2026 brings a refreshed and expanded programme, exciting new collaborations and more ways than ever to learn, connect and grow alongside your professional community. Across the two-days, delegates can expect a diverse mix of expert-led talks, practical sessions, clinical updates and skills workshops, all shaped by an expert advisory panel and member feedback.

New partners, new learning and community zone – and an expanded programme shaped by members


The College has 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.  

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.

Programme highlights include:

  • Keynote from Double Paralympian and England’s most decorated blind footballer Darren Harris
  • Changes in global burden of visual impairment and the implications for the UK with Rupert Bourne, Professor of Ophthalmology at the Vision and Eye Research Institute of Anglia Ruskin University
  • The AI-ready optometrist: skills for future practice with Fiona Buckmaster MCOptom, community optometrist and PhD researcher at the University of Huddersfield.

Dr Gillian Rudduck MCOptom, President of The College of Optometrists, said, “Bringing together more than 1,000 eye care professional peers over two days, Optometry Tomorrow is designed to inspire, challenge and grow your practice.

“Beyond the lecture theatre, our growing and vibrant exhibition will showcase the latest industry insights, products and services, as well as a new learning and community zone designed to give delegates space for even more conversation, connection and collaboration.”

Book now to secure your early bird discount

  • Standard two-day tickets are available for members of The College of Optometrists and Optometry Tomorrow’s partners’ members at the early bird are of £200 until 17 April.
  • Newly Qualified College members can take advantage of the early bird rate for standard two-day tickets at £140 until 17 April.  Student members can purchase standard two-day tickets for a reduced rate of £100.
  • Standard rate two-day tickets for non-members are £520.

For more details about booking visit  www.college-optometrists.org/optometrytomorrow

Optometry Tomorrow 2026’s media partner is OpchatNews.com and Mylocaloptician.co.uk, published by Primary Health Net.

 


 The Programme so far: 

Exhibition, Refreshments and Learning & Community Zone
Optometry 2049: AI and the Future of Vision Care
Keynote

This dynamic panel will explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping eye health, offering a balanced look at both its potential and its challenges. Panellists will share diverse perspectives on emerging applications in diagnostics, treatment planning and education, as well as the ethical, workforce and patient‑centred questions AI raises. A moderated discussion will delve into what AI can and cannot do, how it may influence clinical roles, and what the profession needs to prepare for next. Delegates will be invited to contribute through interactive Q&A, leaving with a clearer, more informed view of AI’s evolving place in eye care.

CPD

1 Point

Eight Lectures to choose from: 
Changes in Global Burden of Vision Impairment and implications for the UK
11.00 – 12.00
This session provides a global perspective on the changing burden of vision impairment, drawing on nearly two decades of work by the Vision Loss Expert Group (VLEG) as part of the Global Burden of Disease Study. Professor Rupert Bourne will outline major shifts in eye‑disease patterns over the last 30 years and the impact of interventions within ageing populations. The session will also highlight the recent inclusion of effective Refractive Error Coverage as the first eye‑health indicator within the WHO’s Universal Health Coverage framework, and what this means for scaling up refractive error correction worldwide and in the UK. In addition, delegates will hear early findings from the UK’s first National Eye Health and Hearing Study and discuss the implications for future eyecare policy and research involving optometrists.
Professor Rupert Bourne
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Vision & Eye Research Institute, School of Medicine, Anglia Ruskin University Cambridge

CPD 1 Point

The Cutting Edge: Surgical Innovations in Aphakia and Iris Reconstruction
This lecture provides an up‑to‑date overview of modern surgical approaches for managing aphakia and complex anterior segment cases, including iris reconstruction. Using real operative footage, the session highlights surgical decision‑making, technique selection, and the challenges of working with compromised anatomy. Delegates will gain insight into the indications, limitations, and potential complications of options such as scleral‑fixated and iris‑supported intraocular lenses, as well as combined reconstruction procedures. The session also outlines the optometrist’s role in recognising aphakia, understanding available surgical pathways, and supporting patients through non‑surgical visual correction when needed.
Mr Kam Balaggan
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon, Lead for vitreoretinal Surgery, Undergraduate Ophthalmology Lead
Wolverhampton and Midland Counties Eye Infirmary New Cross Hospital

CPD 1 Point

Workshop
Mastering Multifocal Torics

This discussion workshop will explore how presbyopic patients often present unique challenges, especially when astigmatism is involved. This interactive workshop explores strategies to achieve successful outcomes for presbyopic patients. We’ll cover the latest innovations and best practice for fitting and troubleshooting multifocal toric contact lenses. Enhance your confidence, refine your approach, and deliver exceptional vision solutions for your presbyopic patients. Delivered by Johnson & Johnson Vision.

Neelam Patel
Professional Affairs Consultant
Johnson & Johnson Vision

CPD 3 Points

Sponsor Session
Matilda: Little Frames, Big Confidence
This interactive discussion workshop invites delegates to work in small groups to explore practical approaches to paediatric dispensing. Using case studies and a range of paediatric models, spectacle frames, and modification examples, participants will consider how different dispensing strategies can support optimal visual outcomes for children.
Rob Barrow
Dispensing Optician / Director
Spec-Care Ltd & Exeter Eyewear Ltd
Jessica Gowing
Senior Dispensing Optician
Great Ormond Street Hospital

CPD 3 Points

Workshop
The Contact Lens Identity: Cracking the Keratoconus Code

This practical skills workshop develops confidence in assessing and managing keratoconus through three focused skill areas. Delegates will practise evaluating keratoconic corneas, interpreting topography and tomography images, and assessing the fit of specialist contact lenses. With guidance from expert facilitators, participants will refine their clinical judgement, learn how to select appropriate lens options, and understand when adjustments are required to ensure safe and effective outcomes for patients with keratoconus.

Ewan Ramsay
Principal Optometrist
Oxford Eye Hospital

CPD 3 Points

Workshop
Vision Possible: Managing Binocular Challenges
This discussion‑based session explores the effective management of patients presenting with suspect binocular vision anomalies. After a brief introduction to key signs, symptoms, and their links with refractive correction, delegates will work through a series of case studies in small groups, considering diagnosis and management options. The session will highlight practical decision‑making tips and common considerations when assessing patients with potential binocular vision issues, with opportunities for questions throughout.
Ketan Parmar
Lecturer
University of Manchester
Dr Catherine Porter
Senior Lecturer in Optometry
University of Manchester

CPD 3 Points

Lunch, Exhibition and Learning & Community Zone

From Clinic to Camera: Building an Optometry Brand

Lecture

This session explores the journey behind “The Crazy Optom” and the development of a successful optometry brand with over 45,000 followers. Delegates will see a live demonstration of the presenter’s imaging technique for capturing pathology, designed to support referral refinement and peer education. The session will also share practical tips for improving imaging in practice, and offer guidance on maintaining professionalism, safety, and confidence when building an online presence in today’s social‑media‑driven landscape.
Hamza Mussa
Specsavers

CPD 1 Point

Lecture
Some of the most valuable clinical lessons come from experience rather than textbooks. This session shares practical insights drawn from real‑life case studies – the “if only someone had told me” moments. We’ll explore safe prescribing for pre‑septal cellulitis in children with penicillin allergies, dementia‑friendly clinical approaches, and how to tailor low‑vision aids to support specific visual tasks. Time permitting, additional short cases will touch on dermo‑ophthalmology, TIA, hydroxychloroquine screening, and glaucoma suspect management.
Scott Mackie
Consultant Optometrist
Mackie Opticians

CPD 1 Point

Lecture

Discover the breadth of career possibilities within the eyecare sector in this lively and interactive session. Our panellists will share insights from their diverse journeys before diving into an audience‑driven discussion using live polling and Q&A. We’ll explore common questions around progression, flexibility, workplace choice, and building a career that aligns with your strengths and values. Expect practical guidance, honest reflections, and fresh inspiration to help you map your next step with confidence.

CPD 1 Point

Peer Review

This peer review session will cover your GOC peer review requirement and is worth three interactive CPD points. Working in small groups, you’ll discuss three cases guided by an experienced facilitator – all supporting reflection and professional growth.

CPD 3 Points

Workshop
This interactive discussion workshop explores real‑life clinical scenarios involving same‑day eye casualty referrals from community optometry to secondary care. Delegates will review anonymised anterior and posterior segment cases, discussing diagnosis, management, and referral decisions in small peer groups. Designed to support reflective practice, the session recreates urgent‑care scenarios to strengthen clinical decision‑making, appropriate prescribing, and effective referral pathways. Independent prescribers will find the content particularly valuable.
Ian De Silva
Consultant Ophthalmologist, Deputy Clinical Director Musculoskeletal & Specialist Surgery (MSS)
University Hospitals of Leicester

CPD 3 Points

Never Miss Those Nasty Retinal Tears and PVDs: A Step by Step Guide
Workshop

This session is designed specifically for optometrists.

This practical skills workshop focuses on the systematic assessment and management of patients presenting with flashes and floaters. Delegates will learn how to perform dynamic vitreous examination techniques, recognise key signs such as Weiss rings and Schaffer’s sign, and carry out effective peripheral retinal evaluation to detect retinal breaks. The session also covers how to differentiate between types of retinal breaks and determine which require urgent treatment. By working with real patient cases, participants will build confidence in investigating and managing presentations linked to posterior vitreous detachment and retinal detachment risk.

Mr Kam Balaggan
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon, Lead for vitreoretinal Surgery, Undergraduate Ophthalmology Lead
Wolverhampton and Midland Counties Eye Infirmary New Cross Hospital

CPD 3 Points

The Contact Lens Identity: Cracking the Keratoconus Code (REPEAT) See morning session 
Workshop
Workshop
Wonder Women of Eye Care: Breaking Barriers and Building Futures
Lecture

This inspiring panel brings together women who have broken barriers and driven meaningful change across the eye‑care profession. Through candid discussion, panellists will share the experiences, lessons, and strategies that helped them overcome challenges and create new opportunities for themselves and others. The session celebrates the power of representation and highlights how diverse voices strengthen the future of eyecare, offering delegates insight, motivation, and practical inspiration for their own professional journeys.

CPD 1 Point

Lecture
Do you dread giving constructive feedback to peers, students, patients, or colleagues? Or feel your guidance isn’t always as effective as you’d hoped? This session is designed for anyone who supervises, leads, works in a team, or regularly supports patients through behaviour change. Drawing on key psychological principles, we’ll explore what makes feedback truly effective and why it is sometimes forgotten or ignored. By the end of the session, delegates will feel more confident in delivering constructive feedback and having conversations that lead to meaningful, lasting change.
Samantha Strong
Senior Lecturer
Aston University

CPD 1 Point

Beyond the Slit Lamp: Mental Fitness for Optometrists
Lecture

Clinical excellence is not just about what we see through the slit lamp, it’s also about the mindset we bring to it. This session explores the growing challenge of burnout in modern optometry and the vital role of boundaries and mental fitness in sustaining performance. Delegates will reflect on how pressure, expectations, and unhelpful patterns of thinking impact confidence, decision-making, and wellbeing. Through a mental-fitness lens, discover practical, adaptable concepts that support resilience, clearer boundaries, and more intentional ways of working.
Dr Pretty Basra
CEO Business and Mental Fitness Mentor

CPD 1 Point

Lecture
Denise Voon
College Clinical Adviser
The College of Optometrists
Daniel Hardiman-McCartney MBE
College Clinical Adviser
The College of Optometrists
Dr Paramdeep Bilkhu
College Clinical Adviser
The College of Optometrists

CPD 1 Point

Peer Review

A collaborative peer review session designed for both optometrists and dispensing opticians, fulfilling your GOC peer review requirement and earning three interactive CPD points. Working in small groups, you’ll discuss three diverse clinical cases guided by an experienced facilitator.

CPD 3 Points

Don’t Blink: The Patient Experience of Anti-VEGF
Workshop

This session is designed specifically for optometrists.

This hands-on skills workshop will guide delegates to perform intra-vitreal injections using dummy eyes. The session  covers how to communicate effectively with patients, including discussing consent and the patient experience from referral to treatment. We’ll review how post injection care is managed through OCT and how this is discussed with patients, as well as “treat and extend” protocols with the latest comments on AMD treatments.

Amar Shah
Director & Specialist Optometrist & Low Vision Lead
Amar’s Eyes LTD (Boots Opticians) & Royal United Hospital, Bath

CPD 3 Points

Workshop
Sponsor Session

Every patient is unique- the way we communicate, adapt and deliver care should be too. But when a patient presents with additional or spectrum related needs, how confident do we really feel in adjusting our approach? This interactive discussion workshop will explore a range of spectrum conditions and the wide variation in how these may present in practice. Through real life scenarios, collaborative challenges and peer discussion, delegates will explore how different needs can impact routine optometric care- and how small, thoughtful adjustments can make a big difference. Designed to be engaging and genuinely fun, this session will build confidence, encourage shared learning and expand delegates’ understanding of spectrum conditions, while providing strategies that can be taken straight back into practice. Expect participation, discussion and a fresh perspective on adapting care for every patient – because great patient care starts with flexible thinking.

Delivered by Boots.

Farzana Makda
CPD Lead
Boots Opticians

CPD 3 Points

Supervision: Start With the End in Mind
Workshop

The Lead Assessor team will guide Supervisors through proven, practical approaches to supporting pre-registration optometrists for success, both in assessment and in everyday professional practice. Through this discussion based workshop, attendees will explore a range of realistic scenarios and develop confident, effective strategies to manage common challenges.

Rebekah Stevens
Lead Assessor
The College of Optometrists
Ruth Bennett
Deputy Lead Assessor
The College of Optometrists

CPD 3 Points

The Generation Game – Contact Lenses for all Life Stages
Sponsor Session

Contact lenses have the ability to improve peoples lives from the young through to teens, adults and later life. In this peer review, we will examine the key elements to consider at each of these life stages, to ensure, happy, healthy and successful contact lens wear.

Delivered by Coopervision.

Coopervision

CPD 3 Points

Afternoon Break, Exhibition and Learning & Community Zone
Sex in the City: STDs in the EED
Lecture
With rates of sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhoea and syphilis at record highs in the UK, it’s increasingly important for primary care optometrists to recognise these conditions as part of the differential diagnosis. This session explores real emergency‑eye‑clinic cases where patients presenting with symptoms ranging from swollen lids to reduced vision were later diagnosed with an STD. Through these examples, delegates will consider key history‑taking questions, the clinical signs to be aware of, appropriate investigations required, and the importance of multidisciplinary working when managing these patients.
Helen Wilson
Manchester Royal Eye Hospital

CPD 1 Point

The Good, The Bad and The Pointy: What To Do When It All Goes Cone-shaped
Lecture
This session provides an overview of the management of keratoconic patients across both primary and secondary care. It will cover the detection and management of early keratoconus in practice, with a focus on the role of refraction, the use of contact lenses, and the importance of effective referral pathways from primary care. Secondary care topics will include the monitoring and management of keratoconus within the Hospital Eye Service, alongside an overview of current and emerging developments in treatment.
Ewan Ramsay
Principal Optometrist
Oxford Eye Hospital

CPD 1 Point

Eye Care is Changing: Shared Care For the Future
Lecture

This joint session delivered by The College and The Royal College of Ophthalmologists will look at the changes in eye care policy and how that impacts the future of eye care delivery. The session will highlight a range of examples across the UK and the profession of shared care.

CPD 1 Point

Sponsor Session

A lecture and discussion on the optometrists role in Myopia. To include scale of the problem, management and pathways now and in future.

Delivered by Santen UK Ltd

Neema Ghorbani Mojarrad
Santen UK Ltd

CPD 2 Points

Workshop

This interactive discussion workshop session will begin with an overview of the previous medical retina pathway, it will then continue asking participants to reflect on the challenges and benefits of the system and begin to look at what parts of the service they would redesign and how they would do this.

Participants will be encouraged to share their own experiences of implementing extended practice roles, discuss barriers they have encountered, and collaboratively explore practical solutions.

The session will conclude with an overview of the changes made at MEH, including a summary of some of the benefits to patient care, staff retention and professional bodies acceptance. Future recommendations will be drawn from the lessons of the past , challenges and opportunities.

Adam Mapani

Nurse Consultant / Honorary Clinical Teaching Fellow
Moorfields Eye Hospital Trust

CPD 3 Points

Workshop
T
his session is designed specifically for optometrists.

This hands-on skills workshop will guide delegates to perform intra-vitreal injections using dummy eyes. The session  covers how to communicate effectively with patients, including discussing consent and the patient experience from referral to treatment. We’ll review how post injection care is managed through OCT and how this is discussed with patients, as well as “treat and extend” protocols with the latest comments on AMD treatments.

Amar Shah
Director & Specialist Optometrist & Low Vision Lead
Amar’s Eyes LTD (Boots Opticians) & Royal United Hospital, Bath

CPD 3 Points

Sponsor Session

In Contact Lens Correction of Presbyopia (2008), Edward S. Bennett stated, “It is particularly important to under-promise and over-deliver.” This workshop will explore whether, sixteen years on, this approach is still relevant in the context of multifocal contact lens fitting, or if advancements in technology have allowed us to be more confident in delivering consistent, successful outcomes. It will look at advancements of multifocal technology and designs, as well as digital tools available to help with accuracy. It considers the approach taken by the practitioner from language to lens selection as well as challenging if fitting multifocals earlier would prove to yield greater long-term success and drive retention in this area of the category.

Delivered by Coopervision.

Samantha Watson
Coopervision

CPD 3 Points

Matilda: Little Frames, Big Confidence (REPEAT) See morning Session 
Workshop
Never Miss Those Nasty Retinal Tears and PVDs: A Step by Step Guide (REPEAT) See morning seesion 
Workshop
Networking Reception
Networking

Join colleagues for a welcoming networking reception. The perfect chance to unwind, enjoy a drink, and connect after the first day’s sessions.


Exhibition and Learning & Community Zone Open
Beyond Borders and Boundaries: A Day in Welsh Eye Care
Lecture

How Wales is Redefining Optometry and Blurring the Lines with Ophthalmology

Step into a day in the life of Welsh optometry – a system that’s not just keeping pace but setting the standard for integrated eye care. This session explores how Wales has broken down traditional barriers between optometry and ophthalmology, delivering advanced clinical care closer to patients and transforming outcomes. Through real-world cases and discussion, we’ll showcase why Wales is leading the way, what England can learn, and how collaboration is shaping the future of eye health.

Andy Britton
Optometrist & Lecturer
Specsavers & Cardiff University

CPD 1 Point

Lecture

Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS) is far more common than previously thought and yet still remains poorly understood and underrecognised/under diagnosed. This talk will review the latest research on CBS and how to apply that to your practice. We will go on a journey to uncover myths around CBS, find out which patients can be affected, and the critical role primary care optometrists can play in the care of CBS which can often be distressing foir patients.
Jasleen K Jolly
Clinical Academic
Jolly Vision Science Ltd

CPD 1 Point

Lecture
This session explores what evidence is emerging to help us shpe the future of optometric care and service delivery. Showcasing current work from researchers at the Centre for Vision Services Research, it highlights key developments with direct relevance to clinical practice and service improvement.
Professor Barbara Ryan MBE
Professor, Director Centre for Vision Services Research
Centre for Vision Services Research, Cardiff University

CPD 1 Point

Peer Review

This peer review session will cover your GOC peer review requirement and is worth three interactive CPD points. Working in small groups, you’ll discuss three cases guided by an experienced facilitator – all supporting reflection and professional growth.

CPD 3 Points

Workshop

This session is designed specifically for optometrists.

This practical skills workshop provides a concise, clinically focused introduction to when and why to perform gonioscopy, alongside a clear explanation of the optical principles that underpin it. Delegates will review the anatomy of the anterior chamber angle, understand how structures appear in practice, and learn how this informs accurate angle grading.

The session will demonstrate technique using the two most commonly used gonioscopy lenses, highlighting the strengths and limitations of each. Crucially, delegates will then gain supervised, hands-on experience performing gonioscopy on patients, with expert guidance to help introduce the skill and experience firsthand the spectacular view of an anterior chamber.

CPD 3 Points

Sponsor Session

The College of Optometrists guidance was updated in December 2023 to make myopia management part of the core skills of an optometrist, and ABDO guidance also makes clear that myopia management is a key skill of a dispensing optician. Therefore, more myopic patients will be coming in for return appointments having been recommended myopia management previously. This session explores scenarios where the patient has returned and investigates how ECPs can use their detective skills to analyse the patient’s individual situation to be able to provide the correct advice and myopia management solution going forward.

Delivered by Coopervision.

Neil Harvey
Coopervision

CPD 3 Points

Lecture
Irfan graduated from University of Manchester in 2001, and started his career with independent practice development as a contractor. From the onset, Irfan’s clinical special interests have led him to take an active role in delivering enhanced services – paediatric shared care, glaucoma referral refinement, integrated cataract services, MECS. With glaucoma as a special interest, Irfan is currently halfway through the higher certificate in Glaucoma and also an active member of the Glaucoma managed clinical network. In 2012 Irfan joined his LOC, driven by the need to improve patient care by improving the role of Optical professions. He spent 7 years as vice-chair and for the last 4 years has been the chair-person. With two decades of experience as core/ specialist Optometrist and over 12 years on LOC, Irfan has built up varied skillsets from working collaboratively with NHSE, ICB, Ophthalmologists, GP, Pharmacy and Optometrist colleagues. When not in the work zone, Irfan has a passion for motorsport, cricket, global music, wildlife and outdoor pursuits!
Irfan Razvi
Specialist Optometrist
Marvel at the Tear Film: Hands-On Punctum Plug Workshop
Workshop

This is a live patient video demonstration of punctum plug insertion, demonstrating the technique for safe insertion.   The indications for punctum plug insertion, the possible complications, as well as tips for safe insertion will be covered.  Punctal plugs will then be inserted into patients using a video slit lamp, to enable visualisation of the technique by attendees.

Fiona Jazayeri

Consultant Ophthalmic and Oculoplastic Surgeon
Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust

CPD 3 Points

Workshop

This discussion workshop explores the latest TFOS DEWS III updates on dry eye diagnosis and management. The session will clarify the revised definition of dry eye, highlight updates to symptom assessment and diagnostic requirements, and outline the enhanced subclassification framework used to identify key drivers of disease. Delegates will learn how these changes support clearer, more evidence‑based decision‑making and guide appropriate treatment choices in practice.
James Wolffsohn
Professor of Optometry
Aston University

CPD 3 Points

Morning Break, Exhibition and Learning & Community Zone
Your College, Your Profession
Lecture

Supporting you and shaping the future together (incorporating the College AGM and Presidential Handover)

This session offers the opportunity to hear directly from College representatives about how the organisation is working to support you and the profession. Through updates on key areas of work and upcoming initiatives, the session will highlight the impact of the College – from professional guidance and clinical leadership to advocacy, learning, and recognition. More than the Annual General Meeting, this is a chance to discover how your membership is making a difference to the development of optometry. It will also be an opportunity to meet the new President of the College.

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: Have we found the cure?
Lecture
This lecture will look at the treatment options and evidence for managing meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) in practice. MGD is a condition that frequently presents in practice, which means we are well-placed to deal with. In the session you will hear findings from recent research on topical azithromycin, highlighting its effectiveness, short treatment duration, and strong safety profile. You will gain a clearer understanding of how to select appropriate management strategies and where topical azithromycin may be considered as a first‑line therapy in practice.
Ian Jarvis
Principal Optometrist
Jarvis Eyecare & Optometry Scotland
John Jarvis
Specialist Optometrist
Jarvis Contact Lenses & Ninewells Eye Department

CPD 1 Point

Inside Out: Seeing the Whole Picture of Mental Wellbeing
Lecture

This session explores mental well being in optometry, highlighting the personal, professional, and organisational factors that shape how practitioners feel and function at work – a topic all too often overlooked. Drawing on current evidence and real-world experiences, it examines key occupational stressors alongside the protective strategies that support healthier and more sustainable practice. Participants will be encouraged to identify practical actions that can strengthen mental well being across the profession.
Neil Retallic
Head of Optometry Development
Specsavers

CPD 1 Point

Peer Review

This peer review session will cover your GOC peer review requirement and is worth three interactive CPD points. Working in small groups, you’ll discuss three cases guided by an experienced facilitator – all supporting reflection and professional growth

CPD 3 Points

Workshop
Workshop

Lecture + Discussion

 

This session is designed specifically for optometrists.

This session provides a clear and practical exploration of the paediatric optic disc, focusing on how to distinguish benign anatomical variants from sight‑ or life‑threatening pathology. Delegates will revisit the mechanisms behind raised intracranial pressure and true papilloedema, and learn how disrupted axoplasmic flow creates the clinical signs seen in practice. Through current neuro‑ophthalmic evidence and accessible imaging strategies, the session will highlight key markers of pseudopapilloedema and strengthen confidence in referral decision‑making. Attendees will leave with a more structured, physiology‑driven approach to assessing the “swollen” disc and greater clarity when managing clinical uncertainty.

Dr Ravi Purohit
Advanced Specialist Orthoptist, Advanced Clinical Practitioner, Paediatric ophthalmology
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

CPD 2 Points

Sponsor Session

This CPD session is designed to challenge common myths and misconceptions about soft toric contact lenses. This interactive peer review will take you through three real-world case studies, exploring the pitfalls of preconceptions, practical strategies for successful fits, and evidence-based tips to improve patient outcomes. Whether you are an experienced practitioner or new to fitting toric lenses, this session promises to provide valuable insights, collaborative discussion, and enhance your clinical confidence.

Delivered by Alcon.

Vishal Gohil
Professional Education and Development Manager
Alcon
Monica Duggal
Business Development Manager
Alcon

CPD 3 Points

12:15 GMT
Lunch, Exhibition and Learning & Community Zone
Unblind Your Mind: How To Become A Champion
Keynote

In a profession that is evolving rapidly, a champion optometrist goes beyond routine eye care; they connect deeply with patients, stay curious and committed to learning, and continue to grow as confident, compassionate professionals. This inspiring keynote explores how putting people first strengthens communication and relationships, how embracing new knowledge and emerging technologies enhances clinical confidence, and how cultivating a growth mindset empowers both practitioners and patients to thrive. Delegates will leave feeling energised, motivated, and equipped with practical insights to elevate their practice, champion their patients, and see new possibilities for their own professional journey.

Darren Harris
Paralympian, Psychologist & Professional Speaker
Lecture
Suspect swollen discs or papilloedema remains one of the most worrying conditions for optometrists and clinicians. This session reviews the results of 500 consecutive referrals for suspect swollen disc made by optometrists (in England) and seen by a single secondary care provider. We’ll discuss the specific features of the referrals and explore how different combinations resulted in different outcomes. Improve your clinical skills and professionalism by understanding the critical aspects of papilloedema compared with other causes of disc elevation, enabling more accurate referrals.
Simon Hardman Lea
Evolutio Care Innovations

CPD 1 Point

Sponsor Session

Advances in laser technology and surgical innovation have changed the glaucoma management landscape, and as we’ve become aware of the limitations of topicalAdvances in laser technology and surgical innovation have changed the glaucoma management landscape, and as we’ve become aware of the limitations of topical eye drops to prevent disease progression, Interventional Glaucoma has become increasingly common. This presentation gives information about the patient and system benefits of Interventional Glaucoma, and explains how cataract surgery plays a significant part, and how optometrists can support patient understanding of glaucoma options at the time of cataract referral eye drops.

Delivered by Glaukos.

Shreya Halde
Glaukos

CPD 1 Point

Lecture
Join our three Clinical Advisors for a fast-paced, practical update on the issues shaping optometry today. The College’s clinical guidance and leadership team will cut through the noise to highlight what’s changing, what’s coming next, and what it means for you and your patients. Expect clear insights on new developments, emerging innovations, and evolving expectations, focused on real-world impact in practice, not theory.
Daniel Hardiman-McCartney MBE
College Clinical Adviser
The College of Optometrists
Denise Voon
College Clinical Adviser
The College of Optometrists
Dr Paramdeep Bilkhu
College Clinical Adviser
The College of Optometrists

CPD 1 Point

Peer Review

This dedicated therapeutics peer review session will cover your GOC IP peer review requirement and is worth three interactive CPD points. Working in small groups, you’ll review three cases guided by an experienced facilitator.

This session is only open to delegates who are fully qualified independent prescribers.

CPD 3 Points
Drusen or Danger? Navigating Pediatric Nerves Under Pressure (REPEAT) See morning session

Lecture + Discussion

 

Front and Centre: The Anterior Segment in Glaucoma
Workshop

This session is designed specifically for optometrists.

This demonstration‑based workshop focuses on the key clinical skills used when assessing patients suspected of having glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Delegates will observe slit‑lamp techniques for identifying anterior segment signs (including van Herick, Redmond‑Smith, and iris transillumination). Following the demonstration, you will work in small groups to review clinical images, discuss cases, and consider appropriate management approaches.

Dr Patrick Gunn
Consultant Optometrist & Head of Optometry
Manchester Royal Eye Hospital
Ravi Ahluwalia
University of Manchester

CPD 2 Points

Workshop
Mastering Multifocal Torics (REPEAT) see morning session 
Sponsor Session
Proofbusters: Who You Gonna Call for Evidence?
Workshop

This interactive discussion workshop invites delegates to explore the evidence the optometry profession most needs over the coming years, and how to build a stronger culture of research in everyday practice. Working in small groups, participants will reflect on clinical and operational priorities, share perspectives, and consider practical ways to support safe, evidence‑informed, and responsive eyecare services.
Professor Barbara Ryan MBE
Professor, Director Centre for Vision Services Research
Centre for Vision Services Research, Cardiff University

CPD 3 Points

Afternoon Break, Exhibition and Learning & Community Zone
Optometry and the Law: A Survival Guide
Lecture

The healthcare environment is changing, as is the working environment for Optometrists. Healthcare devolution to the community will provide opportunity for many Optometrists but also increased risks particularly with respect to litigation and legal claims against Optometrists. This session explores key legal principles, common pitfalls, and real case examples to help practitioners work safely, reduce risk, and feel more confident when navigating potential litigation and claims.
Damian Lake
Consultant Ophthalmologist
Tunbridge Wells Eye Centre & The Sight Centre

CPD 1 Point

Lecture + Discussion

This lecture and discussion workshop explores effective approaches to examining children of all ages, from babies to teenagers. The session covers visual development, age‑appropriate modifications to the eye examination, communication strategies for engaging both children and their parents or carers, and prescribing guidance for key age groups. Delegates will also work through case studies that illustrate practical decision‑making around testing adaptations, refractive outcomes, prescribing, and referrals for binocular vision concerns.
Joanne Tutt
Locum Optometrist
Independent Optometry Practice and Hospital Settings

CPD 2 Points

The AI-Ready Optometrist: Skills for Future Practice
Lecture

Artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to have major impacts on optometry practice, making it increasingly important for optometrists to learn how to navigate the AI hype. This session introduces the core concepts of AI in a clear, jargon‑free way, focusing on what AI outputs really mean in an optometry setting. During this lecture, you’ll build confidence in navigating the rapidly evolving technology landscape and prepare for the future of optometry practice.

Fiona Buckmaster
Optometrist & PhD Researcher
University of Huddersfield

CPD 1 Point

Workshop
Supervision: Start With the End in Mind (REPEAT) Yesterday afternoon 
Workshop
The Dry Eye Files: An Evidence-Based Investigation (REPEAT) Eraly this morning 
Workshop