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 information

• OPO - 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 information

• College clinical guidance - Examining autistic patients
• College 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:

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.