100% Optical CPD Programme 2026

This session will examine how the ever-increasing data and image acquisition in optometry impacts upon how we appraise information and the risks that can pose. Drawing from the AOP case files we will look at examples of where things go wrong and how they could have been avoided.

The introduction of Rho-kinase (ROCK) inhibitors represents an important advance in the medical management of glaucoma. By targeting the trabecular meshwork to enhance conventional outflow, these agents provide a novel mechanism distinct from existing therapies. With NICE approval of ripasudil/netarsudil, ROCK inhibitors are now accessible in the UK, offering clinicians an additional tool for patients who require further intraocular pressure reduction or for whom traditional treatments are insufficient. This session will review the pharmacological basis of ROCK inhibition, summarise clinical trial data, and discuss real-world considerations for prescribing in practice. Particular emphasis will be placed on efficacy, safety, and tolerability, alongside guidance on patient selection and integration into treatment algorithms.

Early peripheral retinal changes often go unnoticed, yet timely detection is vital for managing disease. Ultra-widefield imaging now allows clinicians to visualise and track pathology in the periphery, while central retinal assessment remains crucial for safeguarding vision. Confocal scanning adds sharper detail, better contrast, and clearer images than standard fundus cameras - even with media opacities - and is already embedded in the UK Diabetic Eye Screening Programme. This session will explore how devices that combine UWF with confocality can strengthen diagnostic confidence, streamline referral, and improve outcomes in retinal care.

Optometrists are often the first clinicians to assess patients with anterior uveitis, with an increasing number of independent prescribing (IP) optometrists managing these cases in primary care practice. This peer-review session offers an informal space for optometrists to discuss a variety of interesting and challenging anterior uveitis cases. We will explore the association between uveitis and systemic health through real-world case reviews, aiming to enhance delegates' diagnostic and management skills.

The workshop will start with a brief introduction to large language models and its use in healthcare/ophthalmology. We will narrow down on ChatGPT and similar models to explain its use in clinical practice and the future potential the technology. The workshop will consist of: 1) a demonstration and discussion of 3-4 clinical scenarios; and 2) a demonstration and discussion of other digital tools that incorporate language models. The delegates have an opportunity to ask questions during a dedicated Q&A session.

In our increasingly litigious society, one of the most stressful scenarios for a healthcare professional is receiving notification of a clinico-legal complaint against them. This may be civil litigati ...

Every career journey is different. Hear Women in Vision UK members share the twists, turns, and lessons learned along their career paths, demonstrating that there’s no single ‘right’ route in optics, ...