EyePod: The optometry podcast

College Clinical Adviser Denise Voon MCOptom talks to Marsha de Cordova, Labour MP for Battersea, and Shockat Adam, Independent MP for Leicester South, about their work in Westminster advocating for eye care professionals in England.They discuss their connections to eye health, the current challenges facing the sector, and what College members can do to help champion the profession.

College Clinical Advisor Denise Voon MCOptom talks to Dr Louise Gow, Head of Eye Health, Optometry and Low Vision, and Preeti Singla, Optometry and Low Vision Engagement Manager, both at the RNIB.They discuss their work developing the Adult Low Vision Service Quality Framework, which was created to define best practice for low vision services in any setting across the UK.

At the end of another busy year for the College, Clinical Advisers Dr Paramdeep Bilkhu MCOptom and Daniel Hardiman-McCartney FCOptom MBE discuss the main highlights from this year and what we can expect going into 2026.Further information#TheCollegeWrapped: Our achievements from January to March 2025#TheCollegeWrapped: Our achievements from April to June 2025#TheCollegeWrapped: Our achievements from July to September 2025#TheCollegeWrapped: Our achievements from October to December 2025

College Clinical Advisers Denise Voon MCOptom, Dr Paramdeep Bilkhu MCOptom, and Daniel Hardiman-McCartney FCOptom MBE discuss the recent news from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) approving the first low-dose atropine treatment for myopia in the UK. They talk about what the news means for optometrists and answer questions from College members. Further informationMyopia managementGuidance for assessing and managing children with myopiaMHRA approves first licensed low-dose atropine treatment for childhood myopia in the UKExpanding Prescribing Scope of Practice - Royal Pharmaceutical Society

Four optometry students at different stages of their optometry journey share insights about their experience so far.They talk about why they chose optometry, how they've found their courses so far and share advice and tips for succeeding and getting the most out of your time at university.Further informationStudent resourcesA career in optometrySign up for College student membership

Starting your journey in optometry can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. In this episode, College Clinical Adviser Denise Voon MCOptom talks to Dr Sam Strong, Lecturer of Vision Science at Aston University, about how optometry students can make the most of their time at university.They discuss tips and advice for navigating coursework and clinical training, the importance of asking questions and speaking to someone if you need help or support, and how you should always be open to new opportunities.College student resources

College Clinical Adviser Denise Voon MCOptom speaks to Nazaradden Ibrahim, Global Technical Lead for Eye Health in the West Africa Region for the charity Sightsavers.They discuss the work of Sightsavers, including how they operate in different countries, the challenges they face, and the role that optometrists and other health workers have in their work.Sightsavers

College Clinical Adviser Denise Voon MCOptom talks to Dr Jasleen Jolly DPhil MSc FCOptom, Optometrist and Associate Professor in Vision Science, about her research into the psychology of sight loss.They discuss topics including how best to communicate with and support patients with sight loss, as well as the impact it can have on their careers, hobbies, and overall wellbeing.Further informationRNIBMacular SocietyGlaucoma UK

To mark the 100th anniversary of Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics (OPO), four past editors — Neil Charman, Bernard Gilmartin, Christine Dickinson, and David Elliott — along with the current editor, Mark Rosenfield, sat down for a special podcast to reflect on their experiences as editors.OPO is the research journal of The College of Optometrists. It is read and cited around the world, and helps clinicians and educators stay up to date with the latest research findings on the development, use and restoration of vision.In Part 2, the editors talk about what they would have done differently during their time in the role and offer insights into the current state of research and OPO.Further information⁠OPO - The College research journal

To mark the 100th anniversary of Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics (OPO), four past editors — Neil Charman, Bernard Gilmartin, Christine Dickinson, and David Elliott — along with the current editor, Mark Rosenfield, sat down for a special podcast to reflect on their experiences as editors.OPO is the research journal of The College of Optometrists. It is read and cited around the world, and helps clinicians and educators stay up to date with the latest research findings on the development, use and restoration of vision.In Part 1, each former editor discusses their time in the role, including how they left their mark on the publication and the challenges they faced.Further informationOPO - The College research journal

College Clinical Advisers Denise Voon MCOptom and Daniel Hardiman-McCartney MBE FCOptom talk to Simon Berry MCOptom, an optometrist who owns and runs his own practice which specialises in working with people with autism and learning disabilities.They discuss accessibility for autistic people in eye care including the importance of acclimatisation visits, what adjustments you can make in practice, and how every autistic patient is different.Further informationCollege clinical guidance - Examining autistic patientsCollege clinical guidance - Examining patients with learning disabilities

College Library and Information Services Manager, Marlene Blackstock, talks to College Vice President Professor Irene Ctori PFHEA FCOptom PhD PGDip MSc BSc(Hons) about her research on “The Impact of OCT in Optometric Practice".

College Clinical Adviser Denise Voon MCOptom speaks to College President Dr Gillian Rudduck PhD MCOptom DipTp(IP) Higher Cert Glauc and Vice President Professor Irene Ctori PFHEA FCOptom PhD PGDip MSc BSc(Hons) about their journeys to their positions of leadership within the College.They discuss what inspired each of their journeys, the barriers they encountered along the way, as well as sharing advice to other female optometrists on their career paths.

College Clinical Adviser Denise Voon MCOptom speaks to Rebekah Stevens, Lead Assessor at the College, about what true equity should mean for women. They discuss the gender pay gap, work-life balance, and what advice they have to women trying to have a career while also supporting their family.

College Clinical Adviser Denise Voon MCOptom talks to Fiona Jazayeri, Consultant Ophthalmologist at Buckinghamshire Health Trust, about the external eye. They cover areas including how to conduct an external eye examination, what to look out for when examining a patient, and best practice for referring patients into the hospital eye service.Further resources: College Clinical Management Guidelines Patient information - Blepharitis DermNet

As we come towards the end of another busy year College Clinical Advisers Dr Paramdeep Bilkhu MCOptom, Denise Voon MCOptom, and Daniel Hardiman-McCartney FCOptom MBE discuss their individual highlights from the year and what we can expect going forward into 2025. Further information: Clinical management guidelines (CMGs) Clinical files Headlight glare campaign

For International Brain Tumour Awareness Week, College Clinical Adviser Denise Voon MCOptom talks to Nicola Nuttall, who tragically lost her daughter Laura to a rare form of brain cancer when she was just 23. Denise and Nicola talk about how Laura was diagnosed after a routine eye examination and the incredible campaigning and bucket list goals she achieved in her life. Denise also speaks to Lorcan Butler BSc (Hons) MCOptom, Prof Cert Paed Eye Care, Optometrist and Optical Engagement Manager with The Brain Tumour Charity, who answers questions about what optometrists should look out for when conducting an eye examination and how to converse with someone who needs to be referred for further tests.

As part of National Eye Health Week, our College Clinical Advisers answer some of the most common questions about eye health from patients. In this episode, Denise Voon MCOptom and Daniel Hardiman-McCartney FCOptom MBE provide advice on lifestyle changes to help keep your eyes healthy.

As part of National Eye Health Week, our College Clinical Advisers answer some of the most common questions about eye health from patients. In this episode, Denise Voon MCOptom and Dr Paramdeep Bilkhu MCOptom explain how you can save money on your eye care.

As part of National Eye Health Week, our College Clinical Advisers answer some of the most common questions about eye health from patients. In this episode, Denise Voon MCOptom and Daniel Hardiman-McCartney FCOptom MBE answer questions about children and teens eye health, as well as those over 60.

As part of National Eye Health Week, our College Clinical Advisers answer some of the most common questions about eye health from patients. In this episode, Denise Voon MCOptom and Dr Paramdeep Bilkhu MCOptom explain the role of an optometrist.

As part of National Eye Health Week, our College Clinical Advisers answer some of the most common questions about eye health from patients. In this episode, Denise Voon MCOptom and Daniel Hardiman-McCartney FCOptom MBE explain what a sight test is and why having regular sight tests is so important.

At the start of National Eye Health Week College Clinical Advisers Denise Voon MCOptom, Daniel Hardiman-McCartney FCOptom MBE, and Dr Paramdeep Bilkhu MCOptom discuss effective ways to reinforce the importance of regular sight tests.

College Clinical Adviser Denise Voon MCOptom and Mike Horler, Consultant Optometrist at Sussex Eye Hospital and College Assessor and Council member, answer your questions about age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Among the topics discussed were the treatment options for AMD including the role of supplements, photobiomodulation, and Syfovre. Further information: College AMD clinical topic page College AMD resources

College Clinical Adviser and Optometric Adviser to the GOC Denise Voon MCOptom talks to Kayleigh Allen, Head of Fitness to Practise Legal; Roma Malik, Optometric Adviser at the GOC; Sue Blakeney, Registrant Case Examiner for the GOC; and Bobby Fida, Optometrist and member of the GOC's Hearing Panel about the role of the GOC. Using a fictitious case, they discuss the fitness to practise process and how they decide on the final outcome involving a member who has altered patient records. Further resources: College Guidance for Professional Practice GOC Standards of Practice

In the second part of our anxiety podcast, Ruth Bennett, Deputy Lead Assessor on the Scheme for Registration, Dave Burke, Mental Health First Aid Instructor, and Neil Constantine-Smith, an optometrist with over 30 years' experience, answer questions from supervisors and trainees on the Scheme for Registration. They answer questions on managing your work/life balance, how to prepare for exams, and how to deal with disappointment if things don't go your way. Further resources: ⁠NHS Talking Therapies (formerly known as Improving Access to Psychological Therapies, IAPT)⁠ ⁠Mind⁠ ⁠Action for happiness⁠ ⁠Deloitte annual report of mental health in the workplace

Ruth Bennett, Deputy Lead Assessor on the Scheme for Registration, talks to Dave Burke, Mental Health First Aid Instructor, and Neil Constantine-Smith, an optometrist with over 30 years experience, about the rising number of young people suffering from anxiety. They discuss the possible reasons for this trend and provide helpful strategies and advice for dealing with anxiety. Further resources: NHS Talking Therapies (formerly known as Improving Access to Psychological Therapies, IAPT) Mind Action for happiness Deloitte annual report of mental health in the workplace

In this WebinarXtra podcast, College clinical advisers Daniel Hardiman-McCartney FCOptom MBE, Denise Voon MCOptom, and Dr Paramdeep Bilkhu MCOptom discuss the latest changes to the Guidance for Professional Practice. They answer all those questions there wasn't time to cover during the live webinar including about dilation and driving, cycloplegic refraction and children, and the difference between a sight test and a eye examination. Find out more about the changes to the Guidance.

In our latest podcast, College clinical adviser Denise Voon MCOptom Prof Cert Med Ret talks to Nazia Fitzpatrick, a business psychologist and executive coach and facilitator. They discuss the concerning statistics from the General Optical Council's registrant workforce and perception survey including 41% of responders saying they had experienced bullying and harassment in the workplace.

In the second part of our special podcast, College Clinical Adviser Denise Voon MCOptom talks to Mike Bowen, Director of Knowledge and Research at the College, about the issues surrounding LED headlights. They also discuss the current research and evidence regarding them and how our members can help shape the work of the College on this important topic. For more information please read our Acuity article - Headlight dazzle: a glaring problem.

In the first part of this special podcast, College Clinical Adviser Denise Voon MCOptom speaks to Baroness Hayter of Kentish Town, Member of the House of Lords, about her campaign for stronger regulation and guidance on the use of LED headlights. They discuss how Lady Hayter became involved in the campaign, the effects of headlight glare and how it affects other motorists and pedestrians, and how members can get involved in the campaign. For more information please read our Acuity article - Headlight dazzle: a glaring problem.

To mark Black History Month, College Clinical Adviser Denise Voon MCOptom talked to optometrists Chidinma Onyenezido MCOptom and Adaku Eze MCOptom to explore this year’s theme ‘Saluting our Sisters’. They share their personal experiences, including the successes, challenges and difficulties they've faced working in the UK, the differences in healthcare compared to their home country of Nigeria, and share advice for anyone wishing to come and work in the UK as an optometrist.

In this WebinarXtra podcast, College clinical adviser Daniel Hardiman-McCartney FCOptom MBE talks to Dr Jeffry Hogg following his webinar on artificial intelligence in optometry. Jeffry is an ophthalmology registrar and NIHR Doctoral Fellow working between Newcastle University and NHS trusts in Newcastle, Birmingham and London. Jeffry answers all those questions there wasn't time to cover during the live webinar which provided a practical exploration of the near-term realities of AI. The subject of the questions include the Turing test, macular age versus retinal age, and clinical governance of AI and optometric practice. For more information about AI regulation please visit the NHS AI and Digital Regulations Service. You can also read our recent Acuity article on AI and retinal vasculometry and earn CPD.

In this special College podcast Acuity spoke to College members Amy Hughes MCOptom and Ian Jarvis MCOptom about their experiences of research.

In this WebinarXtra podcast, Martyn Jones, Head of Curriculum Development and Dr Rebekah Stevens, Lead Assessor at The College of Optometrists, answer questions following their webinar 'Preparing for ETR – the new route to qualification as an optometrist." This webinar provided an introduction to the GOC’s new education and training requirements, focussing on how the College will partner with universities and employers in future, and the differences between the current Scheme for Registration and future arrangements. Martyn and Rebekah address a range of questions which were asked during the live webinar, including why these changes are happening, how standards will be upheld and the arrangements employers will need to make with students for the new Clinical Learning in Practice placements. If you’d like to find out more information about ETR and what the changes will mean, please visit the ETR area of our website.

College clinical adviser Denise Voon MCOptom Prof Cert Med Ret speaks to Jane Veys MCOptom, Clinical Editor of Acuity magazine, about her long history and passion for charity work, her involvement with the College, and why she thinks everyone should volunteer.

To mark Cataracts Awareness Month, College clinical adviser Denise Voon MCOptom Prof Cert Med Ret talked to Dr Sam Strong, Lecturer of Vision Science at Aston University, about motion perception in cataract patients. Sam talks about her background and research as well as how motion perception affects cataract patients’ ability to judge distances and speeds, especially while driving.

In this WebinarXtra podcast, College clinical adviser Denise Voon MCOptom Prof Cert Med Ret talks to Simon Frackiewicz MCOptom DipTp(IP), optometrist and orthoptist working in private practice and the hospital eye service in Somerset, following his webinar on binocular vision. This webinar gave practical advice for optometrists to help regain confidence in binocular vision, which may have been affected by the altered ways of working during the pandemic. Simon answers all those questions there wasn't time to cover during the live webinar including assessment, low vision, and prisms. As members of the College, you can access a wide range of online courses on the College's learning platform.

In this episode of WebinarXtra, Paramdeep talks to Mike Horler BSc FCOptom DipTp(IP) Higher Cert Med Ret, Consultant Optometrist in Medical Retina at Sussex Eye Hospital, following his webinar on now and future retinal treatments. The webinar provided an overview of treatment strategies used for late wet AMD, diabetic macula oedema and retinal vein occlusions. Mike answers all those questions there wasn't time to cover during the live webinar. As members of the College, you can access a wide range of online courses on the College's learning platform.

In this episode of WebinarXtra, Denise talks to Dr Gordon Hay, Clinical Director for Emergency Care at Moorfields Eye Hospital, following his webinar on best practice for optometrists' written and telephone referrals. The webinar provided guidance on how to make clear and effective referrals to eye casualty. Gordon answers all those questions there wasn't time to cover during the live webinar. As members of the College, you can access the recorded webinar course here - best practice for optometrists' written and telephone referrals which is worth 1 non-interactive CPD point. Enjoy engaging and effective learning with options to pause, rewind and replay the sectionalised video within this course. Take a look at our full list of online courses.

College clinical adviser Daniel Hardiman-McCartney MBE FCOptom speaks to optometrist Bhavin Shah MCOptom MBABO FBCLA about how he provides help and support to patients with dyslexia in his practice, the difference between dyslexia and visual stress, as well as his views on colour and tinted lenses. November 2022: Case on acceptable advertising claims in clinical practice - College of Optometrists (college-optometrists.org) Examining patients with specific learning difficulties - College of Optometrists (college-optometrists.org) TER328 - Colourimetry interventions to support people with visual stress (healthtechnology.wales) (PDF) Guidance for eye care professionals on publicity on dyslexia (essex.ac.uk) (Word document) For further reading on dyslexia please visit our podcast page.

In the first part of this podcast, College clinical adviser Dr Paramdeep Bilkhu MCOptom talks to Dr Rudrani Banik M.D. about visual snow syndrome. They discuss the potential causes of visual snow, how it affects patients, and the current state of treatments and research. Dr Rudrani Banik is the Co-Director of Neuro-Ophthalmology at New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai and Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at Icahn School of Medicine, also at Mount Sinai. In the second part, College clinical adviser Daniel Hardiman-McCartney FCOptom MBE speaks to Caroline Gill, who has recently been diagnosed with visual snow syndrome, about her condition and how it affects her. Vision simulations Visual snow syndrome diagnostic criteria by Dr Rudrani Banik M.D. Visual snow syndrome masterclass by Dr Rudrani Banik M.D.

College clinical adviser Daniel Hardiman-McCartney FCOptom MBE talks to principal optometrist at Moorfields Eye Hospital Jay Varia BSc(Hons) MCOptom DipTp(IP) Prof Cert Glauc about the advanced clinical practice course. They discuss what the course entails, who it is aimed at, the skills that you learn, as well as what the course could lead to after completion. Advanced clinical practice course at Aston University Advanced clinical practice course at Moorfields Eye Hospital Advanced clinical practice course at University of Plymouth

In this episode of WebinarXtra, Daniel talks to optometrist Dr Rebekka Heitmar MCOptom Prof Cert Med Ret following her webinar on OCT in optometric practice for beginners, where she reviewed different OCT scans as well as evidence from research and emerging guidance on clinical practice. As members of the College you can access the recorded webinar course here - OCT in optometric practice for beginners which is worth 1 non-interactive CPD point. Enjoy engaging and effective learning with options to pause, rewind and replay the sectionalised video within this course. Take a look at our full list of online courses.

In this special podcast for Black History Month, clinical adviser Denise Voon MCOptom first speaks to Dr Roxanne Crosby-Nwaobi postdoctoral ophthalmic nurse researcher, lead nurse for research at Moorfields Eye Hospital and honorary Associate Professor at UCL and secondly, Sylvia Chengo, visually impaired digital creator and disability advocate. You can find out more about Sylvia on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

In this episode of WebinarXtra, Daniel talks to ophthalmologist Kam Balaggan about the macula. As members of the College you can access the recorded webinar course here - The patient as a teacher: Complex cataract and vitreoretinal surgery. Enjoy engaging and effective learning with options to pause, rewind and replay the sectionalised video within this course.

In this episode of WebinarXtra, Daniel talks to ophthalmologist Kam Balaggan about floaters and the vitreous. As members of the College you can access the recorded webinar course here - The patient as a teacher: Complex cataract and vitreoretinal surgery. Enjoy engaging and effective learning with options to pause, rewind and replay the sectionalised video within this course.

In this episode of WebinarXtra, Daniel talks to ophthalmologist Kam Balaggan about pseudoexfoliation and lens implants. As members of the College you can access the recorded webinar course here - The patient as a teacher: Complex cataract and vitreoretinal surgery. Enjoy engaging and effective learning with options to pause, rewind and replay the sectionalised video within this course.

In the second part of our myopia guidance review podcast, College clinical adviser Daniel Hardiman-McCartney MBE FCOptom speaks to optometrist Dr Bhavin Shah MCOptom MBABO FBCLA about offering myopia management in his practice since 2016, the impact of the pandemic on children’s vision and how he communicates complex topics to parents and children. Read more about myopia guidance. Listen to part 1 of the myopia podcast.

College clinical advisers Dr Paramdeep Bilkhu MCOptom and Daniel Hardiman-McCartney FCOptom MBE discuss the latest updates on myopia management guidance including the recommendations for ensuring best practice. Dr Bilkhu, who co-led the guidance review, also discusses the importance of explaining risks and benefits as well as how the different management options compare. "Whether myopia is within your scope of practice or not, you should make sure that you have the relevant knowledge and can hold a discussion with patients and their parents about myopia, how it is treated, the supporting evidence and the costs and benefits of myopia management. This will help them make an informed decision." Read more about myopia guidance.