Optometry Scotland

Optometry Scotland has now submitted its response to the Department for Transport consultation on introducing mandatory eyesight testing for older drivers. Members can read the full submission by logging in here: optometryscotland.org.uk/wp-login.php?r…

Manifesto Priority 3: Secure the future workforce & Infrastructure Scotland needs a sustainable community optometry workforce and the infrastructure to support modern NHS eye care services. Read more about our manifesto priorities here: optometryscotland.org.uk/publications/

Community optometry is already delivering high-quality, accessible eye care across Scotland. With the right support, it can do even more. Community Optometry: A Sustainable Solution for Eye Care.

Today is World Day for Safety and Health at Work. Recognising and supporting workplace wellbeing helps ensure the best outcomes for both staff and patients.

Kcking off our manifesto series with Priority 1: Protect sight. Prevent blindness. Deliver universal access. Community optometry is key to ensuring patients can access NHS-funded eye care quickly and locally, while supporting early detection and reducing hospital pressures.

Congratulations to Anne Dignan for showcasing her multi-sensory art at @ScotParl! We're proud to support @OptomScotland's call for a national low vision service to ensure everyone with sight loss has the tools they need to live independently. Manifesto: bit.ly/4szHqjd

Our latest cover story explores the non-clinical values and skills practitioners develop through experience, and how they impact patient care and practitioner wellbeing. We spoke to optical professionals to learn more. Read → ow.ly/A2JA50YIn7j @OptomScotland

Reminder: Sight Scotland & Sight Scotland Veterans are hosting a free, accessible online hustings ahead of the election. A great opportunity for people experiencing sight loss and low vision to hear from parties and ask questions. Registration closes 12pm, Mon 27 April.

Join us for a hustings event where blind and partially sighted voters can question election candidates directly and put the issues that matter to them on the political agenda. 🗳️ Register here: sightscotland.org.uk/influencing-ch… Help us reach as many people as possible. #Holyrood2026

We’re marking 20 years of General Ophthalmic Services (GOS) with a new monthly blog series on the 20th! First up: 20 facts about eyecare in Scotland! Read now on our website here: optometryscotland.org.uk/2026/04/20/os-… #GOS20 #OptometryScotland

20 weeks to go. We’re counting down to GOS20, celebrating 20 years of General Ophthalmic Services in Scotland and the impact of community optometry. More details coming soon.

Today is World Health Day. Good eye health is essential to overall health and wellbeing! Encourage your patients to prioritise their eye health and attend regular NHS-funded eye examinations.

A powerful story of creativity beyond sight. In our latest blog, Anne Dignan shares her journey as an artist living with dual sensory impairment and how this has shaped her creative work and identity. Read here: optometryscotland.org.uk/2026/04/06/os-…

Optometry Scotland Spring Newsletter is now out! Members can check their emails or sign in to the Members Hub on our website to read the latest edition: optometryscotland.org.uk/wp-login.php?r… This issue covers key updates and activity from January to March 2026!

That’s a wrap on Optometry Scotland’s Scottish Parliament exhibition! Over the past few days, we’ve showcased the real impact of low vision. Thanks to all MSPs and stakeholders who stopped by, everyone who helped and contributed to the stand and to our OS members!

Today we began exhibiting in the Scottish Parliament to highlight the impact of low vision and the case for a Community Low Vision Service in Scotland. If you’re an MSP or stakeholder, please come along and speak to us when we exhibit tomorrow. And to our members, thank you!

Members of the public shared positive experiences with their optometrists and welcomed the idea of CLVS being available locally. One person highlighted the importance of attending eye examinations With thanks to Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans for their support.

What would Low Vision mean for your independence? In this video, we ask the public what they know about the reality that around 1 in 30 people in Scotland live with sight loss face. Created with Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans.

Low vision affects more than the individual, it impacts the people who love and support them. In this video, a member of the public shares their experience of their mother, who lived with macular degeneration. A reminder of why accessible support in the community matters.

What does low vision mean? We took to the streets of Edinburgh to find out the public understanding of low vision, and to highlight the need for accessible, community-based low vision services. Thank you to Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans for helping us