Optometry Today (OT) homepage | Optometry news from across the sector

Optometry practices unaffected by local lockdown in Aberdeen

Optometry Scotland has confirmed that new controls in place in Aberdeen will not have an impact on optometry practices

Honey Rose: expert witness gives evidence for GOC

An expert witness is questioned and Ian Stern, QC, argues that insufficient evidence has been put forward by the optical regulator

Clinical and regulatory | by Selina Powell

92% of patients managed in community through Welsh IP initiative

The Independent Prescribing Optometry Service has shown promising results after its introduction one day after lockdown

Health services | by Selina Powell

CET claims window opens in England

Claims can now be lodged online for a Continuing Education and Training allowance

AOP | by Selina Powell

Scottish optometrists raising money for charity with ‘virtual performances’

Gordon Kyle and Jacklyn MacInnes’ performances include a moving rendition of Caledonia

High Street | by Lucy Miller

Optometrist walking 250 miles for MND charity

Fiona Mackinnon has raised over £1400 in a fundraiser held in memory of optometrist Shirley Cameron

Charity | by Kimberley Young

British Contact Lens Association names new president

Indie Grewal, owner and optometrist at Leightons St Albans, has been elected to the role

Contact lenses | by Kimberley Young

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Latest on coronavirus

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Coronavirus: the optics briefing

PPE Portal to open to optometrists, COVID-19 funding discussions continue, and shielding guidance paused in England

by Selina Powell, Kimberley Young

Optometry practices unaffected by local lockdown in Aberdeen

Optometry Scotland has confirmed that new controls in place in Aberdeen will not have an impact on optometry practices

Health services | by Selina Powell

Optical practices not affected by lockdown restrictions in northern England

Renewed restrictions were announced on Thursday for areas in West Yorkshire, East Lancashire and Greater Manchester

AOP | by Lucy Miller

COVID-19 funding talks for optical practices in England continue

Funding likely to be extended until 31 August, but limited to fixed practices that reach a minimum level of GOS1 activity

Health services | by John White

Self-isolation exemption removed for health and care workers returning from high-risk countries

Health professionals, including optometrists, will need to self-isolate for 14 days when returning from a country that does not have a travel corridor with the UK

Health services | by Kimberley Young

Science & vision

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AI could help to reduce diabetic screening backlog in wake of COVID-19

Scientists highlight that machine learning could safely halve the number of images that need to be assessed by humans

Research | by Selina Powell

Scientists develop a spherical artificial eye

The technology incorporates nanowire light sensors that mimic the photoreceptors in the human retina

Technology | by Selina Powell

FDA approves dissolvable glaucoma implant

The device lowered IOP by 30% in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension

Research | by Selina Powell

Corneal dystrophy: scientists discover molecular changes occur decades before symptoms

Research from the US could lead to the development of new screening procedures for the disease

Research | by Selina Powell

UK researchers use mini retinas to test gene therapy for RP

Scientists report promising results from a study that aims to develop a new approach to treating the most common inherited eye condition

Research | by Selina Powell

Industry

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Menicon announce UK launch of daily disposable toric contact lens

Launching 1 September, the new product aims to offer the benefits of the Miru 1day Flat Pack to wearers requiring toric lenses

Contact lenses | by Kimberley Young

Alcon survey finds contact lens business shows “resilience”

A survey of 1,500 contact lens wearers found the majority expect to return to their normal wearing schedule in the next few months and will remain loyal to their current brand

Contact lenses | by Kimberley Young

Routine eye care in Scotland to resume from 3 August

The First Minister confirmed that routine eye care services will be able to be carried out in community practices and in patient’s homes

High Street | by Kimberley Young

Proof Eyewear introduces UK website

The sustainable eyewear brand is bringing its collections of handmade frames to independent optometrists in the UK

Eyewear and lenses | by Kimberley Young

Professional support

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GOC launches Education Strategic Review consultation

AOP policy director, Tony Stafford, discusses what is involved in the Education Strategic Review, why it is needed, and how members can share their views

Optical organisations | by Kimberley Young

GOC erases DO who took £2594 from the practice till

A Scarborough-based practitioner has been sanctioned by the optical regulator for taking cash from the till and processing false refunds

Clinical and regulatory | by Selina Powell

Optical practices not affected by lockdown restrictions in northern England

Renewed restrictions were announced on Thursday for areas in West Yorkshire, East Lancashire and Greater Manchester

AOP | by Lucy Miller

COVID-19 funding talks for optical practices in England continue

Funding likely to be extended until 31 August, but limited to fixed practices that reach a minimum level of GOS1 activity

Health services | by John White

Self-isolation exemption removed for health and care workers returning from high-risk countries

Health professionals, including optometrists, will need to self-isolate for 14 days when returning from a country that does not have a travel corridor with the UK

Health services | by Kimberley Young

In practice

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Experimenting with styles

Twinkle Patel, practice owner and optometrist at Walbank Opticians, discusses branching out into colourful eyewear and strengthening connections with the local community during COVID-19

Practitioner stories | by Kimberley Young

“Our ethos is to embrace all that an independent practice stands for”

Luke Wren, head of business development at the Hakim Group, outlines the steps taken to purchase the retail arm of the historic Norville Opticians

Business management | by Luke Wren

“It’s always nice to hear back from the patient”

Independent prescribing optometrist, Dr John Gurney, and patient Tom Watters discuss the diagnosis and treatment of a retinal detachment

Practitioner stories | by Kimberley Young

Improving vision on a daily basis

First year optometry student at the University of Huddersfield, Iqra Saeed, talks to OT about what drew her to optometry and the impact COVID-19 had on the course

Career development | by Kimberley Young

Optometry jobs

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Lecturer in Ophthalmic Data Science | Queen's University Belfast

Location:

Belfast

Closing:

26 August 2020

CET

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C-75238 Sight support in schools

This CET article describes the impact of visual impairment on educational needs for young children and how this can be managed.

CET points: 1
Published: 12 June 2020 | Closes: 04 September 2020

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C-75145 Meibomian gland dysfunction: the importance of early detection

This CET exam discusses the importance of detection and treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction at the earliest possible stage to prevent or delay the onset of dry eye.

CET points: 1
Published: 12 June 2020 | Closes: 04 September 2020

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C-74886 Anterior eye

This VRICS exam presents a series of anterior images for practitioners to interpret using additional resources where required to answer the questions.

CET points: 1
Published: 12 June 2020 | Closes: 04 September 2020

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