Optometry Scotland

Optometry Scotland Optometry Scotland is responsible for representing the views of the Optometry sector in Scotland

That’s a wrap on Optometry Scotland’s Scottish Parliament exhibition!Over the past few days, we’ve showcased the real im...
26/03/2026

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 and made the case for a Community Low Vision Service in Scotland.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by, and to the MSPs and stakeholders who took the time to visit the stand and speak with members from the OS team.

Together, we are building momentum for better low vision support across Scotland. This work will continue through our Short Life Working Group, bringing together optometrists, dispensing opticians and the wider optical workforce to support the development of Community Low Vision Services and strengthen community-based care.

A special thank you to our partners who helped bring the exhibition to life:

RNIB Scotland for providing low vision living aids
Munro Optometrists for providing the Lanarkshire Low Vision Kit from NHS Lanarkshire
Urquhart Opticians for providing the technology on the stand
Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans for their support, including exhibiting the powerful tactile artwork of Anne Dignan
Thank you to Anne for displaying the art work and sharing her lived experience of sight loss

And a massive thank you to our members who continue to deliver essential care within their communities!

Today we began exhibiting in the Scottish Parliament to highlight the impact of low vision and the case for a Community ...
24/03/2026

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.

Low vision affects thousands of people across the country, impacting independence, employment and quality of life. Community optometry is ready to play a central role in delivering accessible, local support.

If you’re an MSP or stakeholder, please do come along and speak to us when we exhibit again tomorrow.

And to our members, thank you for helping us raise awareness and strengthen the case for better low vision care across Scotland.

23/03/2026

When we spoke to members of the public, many shared positive experiences with their optometrists and welcomed the idea of Community Low Vision Services being available locally.

One person also highlighted the importance of eye examinations in protecting eye health urging other members of the public to attend their NHS funded eye examination.

There is clear support for accessible care, closer to home, delivered by community optometry.

With thanks to Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans for their support on this public awareness campaign we look forward our upcoming parliamentary exhibition tomorrow highlighting the need for Community Low Vision Services!

23/03/2026

What would Low Vision mean for your independence?

In this short video, we ask members of the public what they know abou the reality that around 1 in 30 people in Scotland live with sight loss face. Created with Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans. Please share to help raise awareness.

23/03/2026

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.

21/03/2026

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 raise awareness.

18/03/2026

We’re hosting a Low Vision exhibition on the 24th and 25th of March in Scottish Parliament, to highlight the impact of sight loss, and the role community optometry can play in supporting patients locally.

If you’re an MSP or stakeholder, please do pop by and see the exhibition.

And to our members: if you have local MSPs or contacts, we’d really appreciate you letting them know and encouraging them to attend.

Every conversation helps strengthen the case for better low vision support across Scotland.

This Brain Tumour Awareness Week, we are raising awareness of the vital role that changes in vision can play as an early...
18/03/2026

This Brain Tumour Awareness Week, we are raising awareness of the vital role that changes in vision can play as an early sign of neurological disease.

Vision-related symptoms that should never be ignored include:

• Sudden or unexplained visual loss
• Persistent blurred or double vision
• Visual field loss (missing areas of vision)
• New onset squint or drooping eyelid in adults
• Changes in colour vision
• Visual disturbances alongside headaches or nausea

Regular NHS-funded eye examinations can identify concerning changes and support timely referral into specialist care when needed. Early detection can be life changing.

At Optometry Scotland, we continue to champion prevention, early detection and local access to community eye care as a key part of wider health pathways.

We are pleased to spotlight Iffat Malik, optometrist at Black & Lizars, in our latest member feature.Read more about Iff...
11/03/2026

We are pleased to spotlight Iffat Malik, optometrist at Black & Lizars, in our latest member feature.

Read more about Iffat’s journey in practice and her work in community optometry here:
https://optometryscotland.org.uk/2026/03/10/member-spotlight-iffat-malik/

Have an achievement, milestone, or story you would like to share? We would love to celebrate the work of optometrists across Scotland. Please contact the OS office to submit your spotlight office@optometryscotland.org.uk 💌

10/03/2026

Clinic in Session with Eilidh!

In this short video, Eilidh explains the common causes and symptoms of low vision, including macular degeneration, one of the leading causes of sight loss in the UK.

Understanding the signs can help people seek support earlier and access the right care.

Please help us raise awareness by sharing this with your patients and community.

PCA(O)2026(03) is now available.Members can log in to the Members Hub on the Optometry Scotland website to view the full...
10/03/2026

PCA(O)2026(03) is now available.

Members can log in to the Members Hub on the Optometry Scotland website to view the full document. For ease, an Optometry Scotland one-page summary is also available to accompany the PCA and highlight the key points.

View more here: https://optometryscotland.org.uk/2026/03/10/pcao202603-now-available/

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OPTOMETRY SCOTLAND

ADVANCING WORLD CLASS EYE CARE IN SCOTLAND

We are a not-for-profit organisation and the only representative of Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians to the Scottish Government

Mission Statement & Objectives

Our mission is to advance world class eye care in Scotland. We will achieve this aim by: