In line with the government’s new national restrictions in England to reduce the spread of COVID-19 from Thursday 5 November until Wednesday 2 December, the College of Optometrists has advised its members that all practices remain open to provide services, continue to prioritise patients based on clinical need and follow…
The College of Optometrists has issued advice for those who notice a change in their vision after the clocks went back last weekend. Daniel Hardiman-McCartney FCOptom, Clinical Adviser for the College of Optometrists explains: “At this time of year, as it gets darker in the evenings, optometrists typically experience an…
The first ever completely blurred film, Focus on Life is launched today to highlight the national issue of our worsening eyesight and its impact on our lives. The College of Optometrists has teamed up with BAFTA award-nominated director Mark Nunneley from the Ridley Scott Creative Group to direct a film…
You may have seen press reports that quote senior government officials as saying they have taken a drive to test their eyesight. We strongly advise against taking a drive to test your eyesight. If you are concerned about your vision please contact your optometrist for advice. At the moment, optometrists…
Your optometrist will keep records of the results of any tests carried out during your visit, as well as any relevant information on your medical history – for example, a history of glaucoma in your family, any allergies and the medications you are taking. These records will inform their clinical…
Many optical practices now offer the option of having an optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan, alongside your sight test, or during a separate visit. The OCT scan provides the optometrist with additional information that can help contribute to a more accurate diagnosis and a more detailed record of the health…
The menopause usually occurs between 45 and 55 years of age, as a woman’s oestrogen levels decline. These changing levels of hormones have many effects on the body and everyday life, including hot flushes, exhaustion, weight gain and concentration loss. They can also affect your eyes and vision. Reduced levels…
11 October 2019 Souleyman Bah, a contestant in The Apprentice has a rare eye condition called RP. Daniel Hardiman-McCartney, Clinical Adviser to the College of Optometrists provides the below information about the condition: Like many people affected by visual impairment Souleyman Bah shows that life goes on and with determination…
BBC, 3 September 2019 You may have read a recent BBC News article (3 September 2019) highlighting the case of a teenager diagnosed with a condition called nutritional optic neuropathy, resulting in sight loss. Daniel Hardiman-McCartney FCOptom, Clinical Adviser at The College of Optometrists explains “Nutritional optic neuropathy is a…
Contact lenses and prescription glasses are probably never more important than at festivals like Glastonbury, when you may find yourself at the very back of a crowd and straining to see the act on stage. But a long stint camping in a field isn’t exactly the best environment in which…
