02 October 2026
September has sprung into conference and event season, and it has been a busy month for the OT team. From visiting London’s Excel for the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, up to Birmingham’s ICC for Specsavers’ PAC, down to Cardiff University for the British Congress of Optometry and Vision Science, and a short flight to Milan for the latest launch from Shamir, we have been out and about meeting experts, discovering new developments and catching up with the practitioners shaping the profession. Here’s a look at where we’ve been and what we’ve been covering.
1
Myopia in the spotlight
CPD
OT’s Ceri Smith-Jaynes and Laurence Derbyshire filmed with CooperVision’s Nicky Latham, alongside optometrist, Deven Lakhani, and myopic mother, Donna Tennent, to explore myopia management research, efficacy, interventions and potential risk for our latest interactive CPD Video: Contact lenses for myopia management: the proof and the passion. Take the exam.
2
MP and eye care
Video
OT’s Laurence Derbyshire and Selina Powell attended an AOP-organised MP visit to Browetts Opticians in Daventry. The practice hosted MP Stuart Andrew to discuss how healthcare could be transformed to make better use of the optometry workforce. Watch here.
3
The OSCEs demystified
Video
OT’s Laurence Derbyshire travelled to Sunderland to speak with newly-qualified optometrist, Eliza Jane McCall, about her recent experience of the Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE), allowing her to share her advice and tips with others. Watch here.
4
Driving ahead
Press event
OT’s Selina Powell attended Shamir’s Beyond performance event in Milan, which provided a preview of Shamir Digital Intelligence. The new lens design supports visual performance among wearers with increasingly digital lifestyles. Read more.
5
An education PACed day
Conference
OT’s Kimberley Young attended Specsavers’ PAC event where delegates considered the future of eye care and celebrated the role of dispensing opticians. Read more.
6
Frame flexibility
Cover story video
OT’s Selina Powell and Laurence Derbyshire spoke to Mandeep Kaur-Bains about finding flexibility and balance in her career, and how her hospital optometry experience inspired her to launch Enka Eyewear. Watch here.
7
Research ready
Conference
OT’s Selina Powell attended the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons Congress at Excel London to uncover the latest vision-related research and speak to researchers about their work. Read more.
8
Programmes and partnerships
Event
OT’s Lucy Miller attended the launch of EssilorLuxottica’s new partnership programme, designed to support the growth of its independent practice partners across the UK. To learn more about the programme and its purpose, read more.
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