Optometry Scotland

09/10/2026

👋 Meet Richard Spruce, Chair of Optometry Scotland

We’re kicking off our new Get to Know the Board series, introducing the people helping represent and support optometry across Scotland

First up, Richard shares a little more about his role, experience and what matters most to him in optometry: https://optometryscotland.org.uk/2026/10/09/get-to-know-the-board-richard/

06/10/2026

🗳️ Voting is now open for the NHS Scotland Awards Reader’s Choice Award!

We’re proud to have nominated Frank Munro for his role in helping establish General Ophthalmic Services in Scotland at this years Scotland's Health Awards

Vote for Frank here 👇
https://www.nationalworldevents.com/sha-2026/unsung-hero-readers-choice/

Read more about the nomination here:
https://optometryscotland.org.uk/2026/10/06/frank-munro-shortlisted-for-scotlands-health-awards-2026-readers-choice-award/

02/10/2026

🎉 Optometry Scotland is delighted to announce our new Chair, Richard Spruce, and Vice-Chair, Maria McAllister, following our recent AGM!

Over the coming months, we’ll be running a ‘Get to Know the Board’ series, giving members the chance to learn a little more about Richard, Maria and the wider OS Board

We’re delighted to welcome them into their new roles and look forward to sharing more with you soon. Read more about the appointments here: https://optometryscotland.org.uk/2026/10/02/optometry-scotland-announces-new-chair-vice-chair-and-regional-representatives-2/

25/09/2026

What you may have missed this week

👁 OS News: New OS Articles Available Online, National Eye Health Week Poster Packs, Richard featuring on Vision Scotland The Vision Room Education Podcast
📢 Policy & Profession: Updates to the OS FTY advice, CPD Application Updates
📅 Dates & Opportunities : Scottish Opto Fair Details at the Scottish Optical Conference, Optometry Wellbeing Day, UHI Job Vacancies in the Optometry Team

Read the latest updates on our OS news here: https://optometryscotland.org.uk/news/

25/09/2026

It’s Self-care Fr-eye-day and a great chance to get patients involved in Vision Matters’ Screen Amnesty for

Encourage them to take a proper break from phones, tablets and screens and remind them of the simple 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away (6m) for 20 seconds

It’s an easy way to help reduce screen-related eye strain and fatigue, what’s your favourite eye care tip for patients?

You can still download our NEHW pack which helps explain these key messages by visiting our members area here: https://optometryscotland.org.uk/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Foptometryscotland.org.uk%2Fmember-hub%2F

23/09/2026

Today’s theme is simple: live well to see well

Healthy habits can help protect your sight, including eating well, staying active, not smoking and wearing UV protection in strong sunlight

This week is a great opportunity to remind patients that small everyday choices can make a difference to their eye health

Download our practice resources from the Members’ Area: https://optometryscotland.org.uk/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Foptometryscotland.org.uk%2Fmember-hub%2F

22/09/2026

22/09/2026

Today’s theme is children’s eye health

Many parents and carers don’t realise that children do not need to be able to read to have their eyes examined

Vision problems can easily go unnoticed, so signs such as sitting close to the TV, squinting, headaches or rubbing their eyes are worth watching for

Early detection can make a real difference to a child’s development

Optometry Scotland has free resources to help you share today’s message with families in your care here: https://optometryscotland.org.uk/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Foptometryscotland.org.uk%2Fmember-hub%2F

21/09/2026

This remind patients that an eye examination can reveal more than changes to vision

Community optometry is often the first port of call for eye problems in Scotland, but routine examinations can also identify early signs of wider health conditions, including diabetes and high blood pressure

Download our National Eye Health Week practice resources from the Members’ Area:
https://optometryscotland.org.uk/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Foptometryscotland.org.uk%2Fmember-hub%2F

19/09/2026

National Eye Health Week takes place next week, offering a great opportunity to talk to patients about protecting their sight

To support members, we’ve created a new toolkit in the Members’ Area, including:

• 3 graphic-style practice posters
• 4 image-based patient awareness posters
• social media pack

The resources align with this year’s Vision Matters themes and can be used alongside the national campaign materials

Log in to the Members’ Area to view and download them: https://optometryscotland.org.uk/2026/09/18/national-eye-health-week-nehw-practice-materials/