Research

College research projects help to build a scientific evidence base that informs and influences College and national policies.

Research Strategy 2020-2025

This sets out how the College will approach research over the next few years and the key challenges it may face.

Forty years of research

For over four decades, the College has led the way in advancing eye health through world-class research, funding, and professional support.

Research grants and funding

Find out about the range of financial and practical support we offer College members undertaking research.

Research Excellence Awards

These awards recognise and celebrate the considerable achievements of our members involved in optometric research.

“The Undergraduate Research Scholarship has had a profound impact on my academic and professional development. It has equipped me with essential skills in interdisciplinary collaboration, script writing, and experiment design.”

“This scholarship has not only enhanced my confidence in research but has also opened my eyes to the possibilities of contributing to the field.”

Ifeoluwa Adeleke, Undergraduate Research Scholarship recipient

In the news

#TheCollegeWrapped: Our achievements from October to December 2025

From celebrating new graduates to launching our five-year plan, the final months of 2025 marked a powerful step toward the future of eye care.

Latest in Acuity

The eyes have it

As we leave summer behind and head towards winter, growing demands on the NHS will no doubt fill news headlines.

Online CPD

Research courses

Online CPD courses for eye health professionals in collaboration with Ulster University and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).

Access our journal

Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics (OPO)

The College of Optometrists’ research journal, OPO, has been the world’s top ranked optometry since 2014.

More on research

The latest research

Here we summarise three research papers from a recent issue of Optometry in Practice.

Children Research

Improving eye care for children with learning disabilities

In the September issue of Optometry in Practice, we discuss the importance of establishing a new framework for eye care in special schools

Children Dispensing Low vision Public health Research

How healthy is the future of eye health?

With COVID-19 affecting so many areas of our lives, Helen Gilbert looks at the impact the pandemic is having on optometric and ophthalmological research.

Infectious diseases Research

Artificial intelligence in optometry: predicting the future

Optometrist and researcher Reena Chopra MCOptom discusses her work using AI systems to estimate the progression of wet AMD patients.

AI and technology OCT Research

The latest research

Summaries of recent papers from Optometry in Practice.

Myopia Public health Research Retina

College research journal increases impact on international scale

Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics (OPO) retains its position as the top-ranked optometry journal in the world.

Research

Optometry, driving and vision: take part in our survey

Take part in our latest research project in conjunction with the University of Warwick and the Department for Transport

Consultations Driving and vision Public health Research

College of Optometrists’ survey shows 15 percent of people in Wales noticed their vision get worse

Survey published as optometric services expand across Wales to offer wider care to patients

Public health Research Wales