Optometry Scotland

NES Remote & Rural Series of Learning Events 2026 - Further Sessions Added
2026-03-10 08:00 - 2026-04-22 17:00 (Europe/London)
The National Centre for Remote & Rural Health & Care will continue to deliver its series of online remote and rural learning events for 2026.
The learning sessions for this year have been designed based on the feedback received from the Series of Learning survey from last year.
Sessions are run via MS Teams and will focus on primary and community care. Please note that sessions are NOT recorded so we would encourage attendance on the day and you will be provided with a certificate of attendance after each session. Sessions are relevant to a wide range of audiences supporting hybrid/remote working and continuous professional development. Some sessions are also relevant to community members.
If you are interested in attending, please click on the link in the table below to complete your registration details – you must register for each session.
More information can be found on the Turas Information Hub National Centre for Remote & Rural Health & Care Series of Learning Events | Turas | Learn (nhs.scot). Further sessions are being arranged so please revisit this page regularly for updates.

Session Title
Date
Time
Registration Link

Learning Teaching and Assessment Part 1

Tuesday 10 March 2026
1.00pm – 2.00pm

Click here to Register

Learning Teaching and Assessment Park 2
Wednesday 25 March 2026
2.00pm – 3.00pm
Click here to Register

Rural Collaboration with Communities – power, culture and practice
Tuesday 24 March 2026
1.00pm – 2.00pm
Click here to Register

GMC Credential in Rural and Remote Healthcare
Wednesday 22 April 2026
1.00pm – 2.00pm
Click here to Register

Please get in touch at nes.ruralteam@nhs.scot if you require any further information.
Kind regards
The National Centre Team

100% Optical registration is officially live!
2026-02-28 - 2026-03-02 | Excel London, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, London, E16 1XL, United Kingdom
Grab your badge early and be the first to hear about the newest updates for 2026.

This is where eyewear meets eyecare and as an optical professional, you should not be missing a spectacular and important event like this!

Register for your free ticket and join us from 28 February – 2 March 2026 at Excel London, where you will be joined by 11,000+ optical professionals across three days, all in the search for the latest eyewear, equipment, business solutions, contact lenses and accessories for their optical practices.

REGISTER FOR FREE

NES Independent Prescribing Placements
2026-02-25 08:00 - 2026-03-25 17:00
Independent Prescribing Simulation-Based Sessions continue to run on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. These hands-on workshops are held at Clinic M, Stobhill Hospital, Glasgow.
We are pleased to announce additional session availability at two further locations:
Falkirk Community Hospital
Wednesday 25th February
Wednesday 11th March
Wednesday 25th March
UHI Inverness
Tuesday 10th March
These placements comprise a series of innovation scenarios around the groundbreaking EyeSi virtual reality slit lamp, which is highly realistic diagnostic training system for medical professionals. This integrates cutting-edge virtual reality technology into the original hardware of a Haag Streit slit lamp, allowing you to examine virtual patients in real-time with the biomicroscope, fundoscopy lens and/or gonioscopy lens.
Each day is made up of two sessions (am/pm), each session can be used for 3 Specialist or 3 General Interactive CPD points and 1 IP clinical placement. (N.B. These sessions cannot be repeated. To count towards your IP clinical placement, you must have successfully passed your University Independent Prescribing course.)
Further Information and bookings, for all IP Simulation-Based Sessions are available on Turas.

Leading at Distance: The experience of leading in a remote Island Board
2026-02-24 13:00 - 14:00
Intended Audience: Session Summary: This session is designed for leaders at Band 7 and below. It will focus on my leadership journey in Shetland and Orkney, emphasising trust-building, relationship development, alignment with the national agenda, and maintaining wellbeing.
Session Objective: The discussion will explore the specific leadership challenges encountered in island and remote environments such as professional isolation, capacity, infrastructure constraints, and complex partnerships, and together we will consider how our collective experiences may help overcome these obstacles.
Sally Hall, Head of Programme – OL&EDNHS Education for Scotland
Sally Hall is Head of Programme – Organisational Development, Leadership & Learning at NHS Education for Scotland, with a remit for Leadership and OD and Leaner programmes, both local and national. She has supported leadership

NES Rural Team: Diabetes Care in Shetland
2026-02-10 14:00 - 15:00
Who is it for? Remote & Rural Practitioners – Junior Doctors, Medical Students, A&E staff, Community Nurses
Session Descriptor: Current clinical guidelines and aims to enhance confidence and clinical competency in delivering high-quality, patient-centered diabetes care.
Aim of Session: An overview of patient centred care based on current clinical guidelines within a remote and rural area.

Alison Jamieson (NHS Shetland), Diabetes Specialist Nurse, NHS Shetland

Advanced Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse prescriber, NHS Scotland Nurse of the Year 2019 (Alison Irvine – Unison) DAFNE Advisor, LEO graduate

NES Rural Team: Managing Parkinsons Disease in Remote & Rural Settings
2026-01-28 13:00 - 14:00
Who is it for? Session Descriptor:
Clinicians interested in Parkinson’s disease
Aim of Session:
To give an overview of Parkinson’s management with a focus on delivering care in remote and rural settings.
Speakers (2)
Alice Einarsson (NHS Shetland), Consultant Physician, NHS Shetland
Dr Einarsson is a Consultant Geriatrician in Shetland
Angus Macleod (NHS Grampian), Honorary Consultant Neurologist, NHS Grampian
Dr Macleod is an Academic Neurologist in Aberdeen.

100% Optical Prebrooking
2026-01-28 10:00 - 17:00
Hi Emma,

We wanted to remind you that the 100% Optical CPD prebooking goes live next week, Wednesday 28th January at 10am, and you still need to register for your free pass online to gain access.

With hundreds of CPD-accredited sessions across the three days, prebooking now means you can plan your perfect learning schedule, saving you time on the day.

From clinical excellence and patient care to business growth and the latest technology, choose sessions that suit your learning style – whether that’s interactive workshops, peer reviews, or inspiring main stage talks.

To prebook your preferred sessions, you’ll need to register for your pass to attend first. Registration is free for all optical professionals, and once registered, you’ll have priority access to prebook from Wednesday. Get ahead and register today.
For any enquiries or if you need help registering, please don’t hesitate to contact us at marketing@100percentoptical.com.

FREE CPD Webinar 27th January - ACES - Headaches In Eyecare Dr Lee O'Mara.
2026-01-27 19:00 - 20:00
Join us for our first FREE CPD webinar of 2026 on 27th January at 7pm.

This lecture is deep dive into the world of primary and secondary headaches, what are appropriate questions to ask when taking a history, what further tests may be required and what is the most likely diagnosis. There are also 4 cases at the end that the lecturer will walk through with the delegates.

Optometrists are commonly faced with patients who report headaches and due to the extensive different causes, it can be difficult to manage the patient appropriately. This lecture takes a deep dive into the world of headaches and how to distinguish a benign condition from something more serious and to know who and when to refer.

The lecture is worth 1 interactive CPD point for Optoms and DOs and is delivered by Dr Lee O’Mara.

Dr O’Mara qualified at University College Hospital, London and Middlesex Hospital. He initially became a general practitioner and practiced in West Norfolk for four years before choosing to specialise in ophthalmology in 1995. Dr O’Mara joined ACES and Optical Express in 2010 specialising in medical ophthalmology. He was also the clinical lead for teaching, serious incident reporting and audit until 2021. He remains the clinical lead for teaching and education for the Optometrists and Ophthalmic Care Assistants at ACES. In addition, Dr O’Mara also worked for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, King’s Lynn as a Trust Specialist in Ophthalmology, a post he held for 26 years.

To book your free place, register via the button below…

NES Optometry Diabetes: From the Retina to Reality
2026-01-26 | Stirling Court Hotel, Stirling
Today is World Diabetes Day, and to mark the occasion, we invite you to an immersive and thought-provoking CPD event on Monday, 26th January, at the Stirling Court Hotel.
Specifically designed for eyecare professionals, this event will invite you to step into the shoes of someone living with diabetes and see the world through their eyes.
What to Expect
Presentations from leading experts, including Diabetes Scotland, Ophthalmology Specialists, and the creator of MyDiabetesMyWay.
By attending the event you will:

Learn about the latest technology and treatment in diabetes care
Participate in peer discussion & interactive workshops
Explore the physiological impact of a diabetes diagnosis
Gain insights into OCT biomarkers and their role in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy

Strike Out Stigma
Today, Diabetes UK launches the “Strike Out Stigma” campaign which highlights:

Over 70% of people with diabetes report experiencing blame or judgement
More than 50% of people with diabetes avoid medical appointments due to stigma or shame.

As eyecare professionals, these statistics are highly relevant to us. The first signs of microvascular changes in diabetes can often be detected during routine eye examinations and identifying these early, asymptomatic changes is crucial, not only for ocular health but overall health of the people we care for. By staying informed, we can support both our patients’ ocular health and their general health – as with diabetes, the two go hand in hand.
Earn 10 CPD points and start 2026 by expanding both your clinical expertise and compassionate understanding of diabetes.
Book now, to enhance patient-centred care and Strike Out Stigma.
Location: Stirling Court Hotel, University of Stirling
Date: Monday 26th of January
Time: 9am-5pm

NES Diabetes From the Retina to Reality NES
2026-01-26 | Stirling Court Hotel, Stirling
Diabetes: From the Retina to RealityJoin us for a dynamic, in-person CPD day designed to deepen your understanding of diabetes, its impact on eye health, and beyond.
Date: Monday 26 January 2026
Location: Stirling Court Hotel, University of Stirling
Time: 9am-5pm
This full-day event will feature an interactive mix of lectures, peer discussion and workshops exploring the lived experience of diabetes.
More details and registration information coming soon.

Eyecare Glasgow 2026
2026-01-18 - 2026-01-19 | Hilton Hotel, William Street,, Glasgow, G3 8HT
Eyecare Glasgow is back on 18th & 19th January 2026. We’ll return to the Hilton with a packed schedule of top quality education, with options available for IP Optoms, Optoms, DOs, CLOs, support staff and students.
Each ticket includes full access to the conference with breakfast, lunch and refreshments provided with up to 50 interactive CPD points on offer – including peer review & specialist IP and CLO peer reviews.
We are also bringing back our Optical Advisor/Support staff training day on 19th January. At Eyecare Glasgow we want the whole team to benefit. At just £49 they can enjoy a dedicated education track with full access to the exhibition, with breakfast, lunch and refreshments provided.
On Sunday 18th January Out Of The Box Optics will be running their bespoke student/pre-reg masterclasses to get you ready for those OSCEs!
Our Exhibition area will be packed with a huge range of providers from all over the industry, as well as on stand CPD skills workshops in the Platinum Suite and our interactive image boards in the main exhibition area. We’ll also have more fun, games and challenges with prizes available!
On Sunday you can also have a drink on us in the exhibition area with a free glass of bubbly, bottle of beer or soft drink before joining us for an evening of fun, food, music and entertainment at the Eyecare party! Everyone is invited to attend the evening event so make sure you pack your dancing shoes!

NES & ABDO Event
2026-01-15 18:00 - 20:30
📣We have added an additional 2 dates for the Eyecare for Everyone Regional Evening CPD Event – 6 interactive CPD points
Join NES and ABDO for a collaborative Continuing Professional Development (CPD) event designed specifically for GOC-registered professionals working in optical practices across Scotland.
🎉 Event Highlights:
* Interactive Discussion Workshop
* Peer discussion and reflection
This evening session will focus on strengthening your skills in:
* Appropriate clinical decision-making
* Effective multidisciplinary team collaboration
* Delivering inclusive, patient-centred care
Whether you’re an optometrist, dispensing optician, or support staff, this event offers a valuable opportunity to reflect, share experiences, and enhance your practice in a supportive, collaborative environment.
Let’s work together to raise the standard of care for every patient, every day.
*Sandwiches and refreshments provided
📌 Dundee Dental Education Centre
🗓️ Thursday 15th January 2026
⌚ 18:00-20:30
📌 Aberdeen Dental Education Centre
🗓️ Monday 16th February 2026
⌚ 18:00-20:30
BOOK HERE https://learn.nes.nhs.scot/86276

Workshop Invitation: The NeurEYE Project
2026-01-14 16:00 - 18:30
Workshop Invitation: Retina Imaging – biomarkers – early detection of risk of Alzheimer’s
Dear colleagues at Optometry Scotland
We would like to invite you to participate in an academic workshop at the University of Edinburgh organised as part of the NeurEYE project. The project is based at the Centre for Medical Informatics, Usher Institute, and is led by Professor Miguel Bernabeu (Centre for Medical Informatics, Usher Institute) and Professor Baljean Dhillon (Institution for Neuroscience and Cardiovascular Research). The NeurEYE project explores the potential of retinal imaging and AI to support the earlier identification of cognitive decline.
Why this matters and why we hope you’ll join us:
Across the UK, there is growing interest in how we can identify cognitive decline earlier, support people sooner, and strengthen connections between community optometry, primary care, brain-health services, and specialist assessment. Retinal imaging and AI offer a promising new lens into neurovascular change, but understanding where such approaches genuinely add value requires insight from those working across the pathway. Your perspective is essential to shaping this conversation.
The workshop is intended to bring together colleagues from optometry, primary care, neurology, memory services, and brain-health initiatives for open, constructive discussion. Our aim is to explore where such technologies might realistically fit within existing systems, how they could support clinical or preventive work, and what kinds of services, responsibilities, and data flows may need to be considered.
The workshop is designed as a collaborative, interdisciplinary academic exercise. We hope it will serve as a space for peer exchange, shared learning, and collective reflection, while also generating valuable insights into the service-design implications and potential care pathways that might emerge around the use of these technologies.
Workshop details
📅 Wednesday 14 January
⏰ 4:00–6:00 pm
📍 Edinburgh Futures Institute (Room 3.35) (Google Maps)
To register, please go to the following link: https://forms.gle/vKtfk5HNjvusrCBk9

Honoraria will be offered in recognition of your time and contribution.
The findings of the workshop, along with qualitative research undertaken in preparation, will be summarised in a manuscript for dissemination/publication. Interested workshop attendees will be invited to co-author.
Any questions about the workshop, please contact elizondo@ed.ac.uk

Your expertise and experience would be invaluable to this conversation, and we would be delighted if you were able to join us.

Online and Afternoon CPD Event
2025-12-18 10:00 - 14:00
Online CPD event with 9 interactive CPD points, including peer review. The event will take place via Teams. A link to join will be emailed prior to the event. All delegates must keep cameras switched on during the duration of the event or will be removed from the call.
Morning session – https://eyecare.education/cpd-events/ola/services/online-cpd-event-1
Afternoon session – https://eyecare.education/cpd-events/ola/services/online-cpd-event-afternoon

SCONe Online Collaborative Workshop
2025-12-10 13:00 - 15:00
Shaping Communication for Better Eye Health in Scotland.
How can we encourage people in Scotland to take better care of their eyes and attend regular eye examinations?
This collaborative workshop offers a space to reflect on and refine a draft set of practical eye health messages co-developed with Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) contributors. Together, we’ll explore how to make these messages more engaging, inclusive, and effective in promoting early engagement with eye care.
We are reaching out to everyone with an interest in eye health including optometrists, ophthalmologists, health professionals, researchers, communication specialists, charity representatives, and members of the public. We invite you to share your insights on what resonates, what’s missing, and how we can strengthen our collective efforts to support better eye health across Scotland.
Workshop Goals

Co-create tailored messages that promote early engagement with eye care.
Share ideas on how to communicate preventive eye health messages effectively.
Explore practical ways to reach different groups within the Scottish population.
Strengthen collaboration across sectors to improve eye health awareness.

Workshop details:

Date: Wednesday 10th December
Time: 13:00 to 14:30
Location: Online, via Microsoft Teams
Materials: A draft and agenda will be shared in advance

About SCONe
SCONe is a Scotland-wide research project based at the University of Edinburgh. The project collects and safely stores retinal images from routine eye examinations to improve the early detection of eye and systemic conditions. Through research and public involvement, SCONe aims to make early detection and prevention of eye, brain and systemic conditions a shared national priority.
If you’re interested in joining us, please follow the link below to register your attendance. If you would like to know more, get in touch at arubio@ed.ac.uk We’d be delighted to have you on board.
Please register your attendance here:https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/JEWaCsU8b3

Peer Review Event – SpaMedica Carlisle
2025-12-09 18:00 - 20:00 | SpaMedica Carlisle, Minerva House, Port Rd, Carlisle, CA2 7AF, United Kingdom
️ Topic: OCT Interpretation – The Simple Approach to Peel Through the Layers
Date: Tuesday 9th December
Location: SpaMedica Carlisle
CPD: 3 Interactive Points
Join us for a free & engaging and practical peer review session where we’ll explore OCT interpretation in a clear, step-by-step way — perfect for building your confidence in recognising key retinal features and pathologies.
Expect interactive discussions, real-world case examples, and plenty of opportunity to share your experiences with fellow eye care professionals.
✨ Spaces are limited – don’t miss your chance to connect, learn, and earn CPD points in a relaxed and supportive environment!
✨Arrival from 6pm for refreshments ready to start 7pm.
Reserve your spot today! Hannah.Waugh@SpaMedica.co.uk
#Optometry #PeerReview #CPD #SpaMedica #OCT #EyeCare #Carlisle #ProfessionalDevelopment

Modern management of corneal ectasia Prof Sunil Shah Midland Eye
2025-12-02 19:00 - 20:00
This lecture delivered by Prof Sunil Shah provides an in depth review of the techniques for management of keratoconus and pellucid marginal degeneration with specific reference to new developments.

Professor Sunil Shah qualified from St. Georges Hospital Medical School and completed his post-graduate training in Torquay, Exeter, Manchester, and Nottingham.
He has been a Consultant at the Birmingham and Midland Eye Centre since 2000 where he runs a complex cornea and cataract service, and his professorial chair is at Aston University.
Professor Shah was a Section Editor for the British Journal of Ophthalmology and Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology and is a reviewer for Eye, American Journal of Ophthalmology, Ophthalmology, Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Contact Lens and Anterior Eye, Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery and Journal of Refractive Surgery.
He has over 150 publications in peer reviewed journals.
Professor Shah also provides specialist advice to NICE and MHRA and is a representative for the Royal College of Ophthalmologists to the British Standards Institute.
He is a past President of the British Society for Refractive Surgery and for the British Contact Lens Association.
Professor Shah is the Chairman of Medical Advisory Board for the Khmer Sight Foundation a Cambodian charity.
He is one of the founders for the training initiative / charity Global Education and Research Society of Ophthalmology (GERSO).
In 2014 and 2018, he was voted as being in the top 100 most influential people in Ophthalmology around the world.
Professor Shah is the 2020 winner of ASCRS Winning Pitch, for his UVC invention.
Sunil continues to take an active role in research which include:
• Novel ways of solubilising oily drugs
• Novel intraocular lenses
• Refractive outcomes of lens surgery
• Corneal thickness and pressure measurement
• Ultraviolet light for treatment of corneal infections

ABDO announces return to 100% Optical as it celebrates 100 years
2025-12-02 08:00 - 17:00
The Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) has announced its return to 100% Optical, the UK’s leading event for the optical profession. They have announced the event will take place at ExceL London from 28 February to 2 March 2026, bringing together thousands of professionals from across the industry.
The ABDO’s stand will be situated next to the Dispensing Workshop area, providing an ideal opportunity for attendees to meet ABDO staff and regional leads, and to connect with current and future members. Visitors can learn more about ABDO’s work to influence healthcare policy and raise public awareness of the need for expert eyecare, reinforcing the value of dispensing opticians in the wider healthcare landscape. They can also discover ABDO membership benefits and professional development opportunities.
Looking ahead to 2026, ABDO will celebrate a significant milestone – celebrating 100 years of the dispensing optics profession and the founding of its predecessor organisation. Plans are already underway to mark this centenary at 100% Optical with special activities.
It has been announced that In addition to networking opportunities, ABDO’s professional development department will deliver a series of CPD-accredited workshops, offering valuable learning experiences for dispensing opticians and other optical professionals.
Priority booking for all dispensing workshops will open for ABDO members at 10am on Monday 26 January.
ABDO invites all attendees to visit the stand, engage with its team members, and discover how the Association continues to support and advance the profession.
ABDO president Kevin Gutsell says, “I am very much looking forward to speaking with members at 100% Optical as well as sector partners and sponsors. This is the show to visit for a variety of reasons such as keeping up-to-date with new products and technology, gaining CPD points, purchasing equipment, catching up with friends and not forgetting that opportunity to speak with ABDO for advice and information on courses and membership benefits. I look forward to seeing many of you at 100% Optical 2026.”
For more information and to register for the event, visit the 100% Optical website

Deadline 2025 GOS Mandatory Training
2025-11-30 00:00 - 23:59
COMPLETION DEADLINE APPROACHING!
Don’t forget to complete your 2025 Mandatory Training: ‘Population Health: Community Optometry making an impact in Scotland’ e-learning resource.
A reminder that Optometrists and OMPs are advised that, in order to be eligible to claim a CPD allowance for appropriate CPD undertaken during the 2025 calendar year and in future years, they should have satisfactorily completed GOS mandatory training for that calendar year – unless they are exempt from having to do so under paragraph 3A(3) of schedule 1 of the GOS Regulations. An amendment to the Statement has been made to reflect this new policy. Please see PCA(O)2025(02) for more information.
Completion Deadline: 30th November 2025

NES Finding the words webinar
2025-11-27 19:00 - 20:00
Essential Skills for Compassionate Eye Care
As eye care professionals, we often encounter patients and colleagues experiencing loss. This webinar will look at how to approach sensitive situations and build your resilience to these types of interactions.
Gain practical tools and confidence to :
• Recognise and respond to bereavement in your practice
• Communicate sensitively with those who are grieving
• Support your own wellbeing after difficult interactions
Date: Thursday 27th November 2025 (online)
Time: 19:00-20:00
Location: Online
1 interactive GOC CPD point available
On completion of this webinar, attendees should be aware of how to sensitively approach interactions with those who are bereaved, to have the confidence to talk, or just listen.
Secure your place now—because compassionate care starts with understanding.

NES Essential Skills for Compassionate Eye Care
2025-11-27 19:00 - 20:00
As eye care professionals, we often encounter patients and colleagues experiencing loss. This webinar will look at how to approach sensitive situations and build your resilience to these types of interactions.
Gain practical tools and confidence to :

Recognise and respond to bereavement in your practice
Communicate sensitively with those who are grieving
Support your own wellbeing after difficult interactions

On completion of this webinar, attendees should be aware of how to sensitively approach interactions with those who are bereaved, to have the confidence to talk, or just listen.
Secure your place now—because compassionate care starts with understanding.
Thursday 27th November 2025 (online)
19:00-20:00
1 interactive GOC CPD point available
BOOK HERE: https://learn.nes.nhs.scot/86011

CHEC GLP1 RAs: The Good, The Bad and Why We Should Care C-113803
2025-11-25 19:00 - 20:00
This session explores the ocular implications of GLP-1 receptor agonists, a rapidly growing class of medications used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. With increasing patient uptake, it’s essential for optometrists and dispensing opticians to understand potential visual complications such as worsening diabetic retinopathy, vitreous haemorrhage, and NAION. This session will provide practical guidance on clinical monitoring, communication strategies, and referral considerations to support safe, patient-centred care.

“As a valued member of the esteemed CHEC team in the Lancashire area, Dr. Moemen brings over two decades of experience as an accomplished ophthalmic surgeon, having worked across three continents. Providing the highest level of care is his top priority, and he treats each patient with the same dedication and compassion as a cherished family member.
Dr. Moemen places a strong emphasis on continuous growth and professional development. By actively participating in medical conferences and meetings, he shares insights and knowledge with fellow professionals, enhancing expertise that ultimately benefits patient care.
In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Moemen has been actively involved for more than a decade in providing quality eye care through notable charity organisations in Egypt. This impactful work has included treating and performing surgeries for various eye conditions, such as cataract and glaucoma surgeries, further contributing to the well-being of patients both locally and abroad.
At CHEC, Dr. Moemen’s commitment to exceptional patient care and continuous improvement drives the mission to deliver outstanding ophthalmic services in the Lancashire community.”

FREE CPD Webinar: CHEC
2025-11-25 19:00 - 20:00
CHEC – GLP1 RAs: The Good, The Bad and Why We Should Care C-113803

Join us for another FREE CPD Webinar on 25th November in collaboration with CHEC.

The session explores the ocular implications of GLP-1 receptor agonists, a rapidly growing class of medications used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. With increasing patient uptake, it’s essential for optometrists and dispensing opticians to understand potential visual complications such as worsening diabetic retinopathy, vitreous haemorrhage, and NAION. This session will provide practical guidance on clinical monitoring, communication strategies, and referral considerations to support safe, patient-centred care.

The Webinar is worth 1 interactive CPD point for Optoms and DOs. Click the button below to register your free place…

VINCYP Training Event
2025-11-21 | Moray House School of Education and Sports, University of Edinburgh, Holyrood Road, Edinburgh, EH8 8AQ, United Kingdom
VINCYP Training Event – Introduction to Childhood Visual Impairment
Day 1 of Part 1
Friday 21 November 2025
This one-day, in person course, offers an introduction and overview of childhood visual impairment aimed at healthcare professionals involved in paediatric care, education and third sector employees new to the field of childhood visual impairment.
Topics include: the function of the eye, the role of vision in development, common developmental disorders, the causes of childhood visual impairment and the diagnostic process

Fee: £60 – includes lunch
Where: Moray House, School of Education and Sport, University of Edinburgh
How do I register: Complete the form on our website at: www.nn.nhs.scot/vincyp/news-and-events/events. Or scan the QR code <![if !vml]><![endif]>,
Or email nss.vincyp@nhs.scot.

Please note, registration does not guarantee a place, this will be confirmed to you directly in due course.

Registration has been extended and will close on Friday 3 October

NES NESGAT Open Night
2025-11-17 08:00 - 2025-11-18 17:00 | Online
NESGAT Open Night
Information Evening with Alumni Q&A – Join Us Online!
Are you curious about the NESGAT programme?
In anticipation of our fifth NESGAT cohort, we’re hosting a special online open night to support potential new students. This is your chance to hear directly from NESGAT alumni, gain insight into the course, and ask questions in a relaxed, informal setting.
Dates: Monday 17th & Tuesday 18th November 2025
Time: 6.30 – 7.30pm
Location: Online via MS Teams
What to expect:
A short presentation from NES
Informal Q&A with NESGAT alumni
Honest reflections on the journey, challenges, and impact of undertaking the programme
Hear from alumni about:
What inspired them to join NESGAT
Key highlights, challenges and learning moments
How the programme has impacted their clinical practice
Whether you’re considering applying or just want to learn more, this session is designed to give you real insight into the NESGAT experience.
Book now as spaces are limited!

Scottish Optical Conference 2025
2025-11-16 08:00 - 18:00
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Book here

Virtual Information Session: BSc Ophthalmic Dispensing (GCU)
2025-11-13 17:00 - 18:30
Remember it’s not too late to sign up to our BSs Ophthalmic Dispensing Virtual Open Day!

This is a great event for any prospective student to explore their options and find out more about what the course would be like for them.

Your Future in Eye Care Starts Here!
Tuesday 18th November 2025
️ 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Online Event
Glasgow Caledonian University is introducing a new BSc Ophthalmic Dispensing degree, starting September 2026.
This is an earn-as-you-learn programme delivered in a block and blend format, designed to fit around your work and life.
What to expect:
✅ Learn about the role of a Dispensing Optician
✅ Guidance on UCAS applications
✅ Information on fees and funding
✅ A live Q&A with the Programme Lead
Take this opportunity to get your questions answered and explore a rewarding career in eye care.
Link for registration:
https://app.geckoform.com/public/#/modern/21FO00get4ssoh00c57c5ersxs

NES & ABDO Eyecare for Everyone Regional Evening CPD Event
2025-11-11 18:00 - 20:30 | FK9 4LA, Stirling Court Hotel, University of Stirling, Airthrey Rd, Stirling, United Kingdom
Join NES and ABDO for a collaborative Continuing Professional Development (CPD) event designed specifically for GOC-registered professionals working in optical practices across Scotland.
Event Highlights:

Interactive Discussion Workshop
Peer discussion and reflection

This evening session will focus on strengthening your skills in:

Appropriate clinical decision-making
Effective multidisciplinary team collaboration
Delivering inclusive, patient-centred care

Whether you’re an optometrist, dispensing optician, or support staff, this event offers a valuable opportunity to reflect, share experiences, and enhance your practice in a supportive, collaborative environment.
BOOK HERE https://learn.nes.nhs.scot/86276
Let’s work together to raise the standard of care for every patient, every day.
Stirling Court Hotel
Tuesday 11th November 2025
18:00-20:30
6 interactive CPD points

NES Emergency First Aid at Work
2025-11-10 08:00 - 2026-03-17 17:00
Locations & Dates:
Edinburgh – 10th November 2025
Aberdeen – 18th November 2025
Glasgow – 25th November 2025
Perth – 9th December 2025
Inverness – 17th March 2026
NES Optometry, in conjunction with St Andrew’s First Aid, are delighted to offer professional and practice staff the opportunity to attend a 1-day certified course.
On completion, you will receive an ‘Emergency First Aid at Work’ certificate, which is valid for three years.

NES Retinal Cases Peer Discussion
2025-10-21 19:00 - 20:00
Back by Popular Demand – Peer Discussion: Retinal Cases
Date: Tuesday 21st October 2025
Location: Online
Time: 7pm – 8pm
Following the fantastic feedback, we’re excited to bring back our interactive online peer discussion focused on three thought-provoking retinal cases.
Gain insights
Connect with peers
Earn 3 general interactive CPD points
This is a great opportunity to share perspectives, deepen your clinical understanding, and engage in meaningful discussion with fellow optometrists.
Spaces are very limited, please only book if you’re absolutely certain you can attend. At NES, we completely understand that “life happens” – so if you need to cancel, please do so with as much notice as possible.
Thank you.
