Attending the Eyecare Conference Glasgow was an absolute delight. Held at the Hilton Hotel on January 19th and 20th, the event was a vibrant gathering of eye care professionals from all corners. From the moment I stepped into the venue, the buzz of excitement was palpable. Old friends reunited, and new connections were made over shared passion and enthusiasm for optometry.
The conference was packed with engaging lectures, discussion workshops and hands-on stations. The atmosphere was refreshing, with everyone eager to learn and share their experiences. The conversations in-between sessions were also enriching. Every discussion, whether deep or light-hearted, added to the overall experience.
Looking back, it’s clear that this event wasn’t just another conference. It was a celebration of our profession and a reminder of why we do what we do. I’m already marking my calendar for the Eyecare Conference Glasgow in 2026. If you haven’t attended before, I highly recommend you consider it. It’s an experience you won’t forget.
If you want to find out why I rate it so highly, read on below!
Keynote Lecture: The Landscape of Ophthalmology in 2025
One session in particular left a lasting impression on me. The keynote lecture presented by Vision Scotland and Zack Koshy offered a fascinating look into where ophthalmology is in 2025. They guided us through the remarkable progress of the field over the last 50 years and shared thoughts on where we’re headed.
The discussion about future use of AI and new. cutting-edge medical tools was especially intriguing. It made me wonder how these advancements might help us handle the anticipated surge of patients in the coming years. It’s both exciting that we will be able to do much more, but also overwhelming as we will need to ensure we all keep up with the demand.
I found myself reflecting long after the lecture ended. Whilst the world of ophthalmology, optometry and optics are evolving at a rapid rate, so is the size of our population – meaning we will need to continually re-evaluate our roles and scopes of practice. This makes my idea on The Eye Care Advocate feel even more relevant, as I am well placed to help emerging optometrists grasp these concepts – so it is a relief that there may be a place for me in the future!
Connecting with Fellow Professionals: Part of What Eyecare Conference Glasgow is All About
One of the highlights of the Eyecare Conference Glasgow was the chance to engage in conversations with other optometrists (something I cover in Optometry Networking post). We found ourselves talking about the increasing demands placed on us as professionals. Expectations keep rising, but it’s frustrating when those who employ us aren’t able to provide the extra time and support we need to meet these additional services and challenges.
At the Eyecare Conference Glasgow, we also discussed locally commissioned schemes. It was eye-opening to learn about the big differences in management, treatment, and payment schemes—not just between countries, but even between local areas and Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs). This variation can make our work more complex, and sharing experiences helped us feel more connected.
A personal highlight was finally meeting my online friend, Hamza Mussa—also known as The Crazy Optom—at the Eyecare Conference Glasgow. We’ve chatted online for ages, and meeting in person was fantastic. We talked about our shared feelings of imposter syndrome, especially when surrounded by so many accomplished professionals at the Eyecare Conference Glasgow. It was reassuring to realise I’m not alone in feeling this way. Together, we reminded each other that we’re doing good work and have earned our place in this community.
The connections made during the Eyecare Conference Glasgow were invaluable. Sharing stories, challenges, and encouragement with others in the field was comforting and inspiring. It’s moments like these that make attending these events so rewarding.
The Eyecare Awards Ceremony: A Night to Remember
The Eyecare Conference Glasgow wouldn’t be complete without its dazzling awards ceremony. Hosted by the charismatic Edward Reid of Britain’s Got Talent fame, the evening was a lively celebration of our profession. Dressed in a ringleader’s outfit, Edward brought energy and flair, perfectly matching the theme inspired by “The Greatest Showman.”
One of the most unexpected highlights was the game “Hit or Miss.” We all participated by guessing whether certain songs were chart-toppers or flops. If you guessed wrong, you had to sit down. I tried my best to get out early—thinking I’d avoid the spotlight—but fate had other plans. Despite my deliberate wrong answers, I kept advancing and soon found myself on the dance floor, reluctantly showcasing my dance moves! My deepest apologies to anybody that had to witness that!
The combination of nerves from the upcoming awards and the unexpected dancing made for an unforgettable experience. For anyone planning to attend next year’s ceremony, a word of advice: brush up on your music trivia—you never know when it might come in handy! This wasn’t to mention having to don a fake beard and sing along to “This is Me” in a mass karaoke event.
When it came time for the awards, the atmosphere was electric. Being a finalist for the “Optometrist of the Year Award” was an honour in itself. Although I didn’t take home the accolade, losing to Naomi Scott—a truly remarkable optometrist—felt more like a win. Meeting her and learning about her incredible contributions to the field was inspiring. It’s hard to feel disappointed when you know the award went to someone so deserving.
The Eyecare Awards at the Eyecare Conference Glasgow showcased the dedication and talent within our community. The evening was filled with laughter, recognition, and a chance to let our hair (and beards) down to celebrate what being in eye care is all about.
Discovering New Technology at Eyecare Conference Glasgow
One of the things I always look forward to at these conferences is getting my hands on the latest equipment. At the Keeler stand, I had the chance to play around with their newest headset BIOs. It was great to refresh my skills and see how much the technology has improved. Part of me wishes I could add one to my collection, but as a locum, there’s only so much kit I can afford – and carry for that matter!
I was also really intrigued by the new educational slit lamp from Haag-Streit. It simulates a range of ocular conditions, letting you experience what it’s like to view them through the slit lamp. Unfortunately, every time I had a free moment to try it out, someone else was using it, or I was dashing off to another session. It’s definitely on my list for next time – and I will seek out other chances to witness it in action!
These hands-on experiences are a big part of why I enjoy the Eyecare Conference Glasgow so much. There’s always something new to learn, and it keeps me excited about the future of our profession.
Student Symposium at Eyecare Conference Glasgow
The Eyecare Conference Glasgow also featured a dedicated student symposium. This special segment was designed to cater to the needs of students and pre-registration optometrists. Organised in collaboration with pre-reg specialists Out Of The Box Optics and Lorcan Butler from The Brain Tumour Charity, the symposium offered a rich learning experience.
Participants received a guided tour of the exhibition hall, complete with hands-on tutorials and skills sessions provided by leading companies like Optos, Topcon, Scope, and XEYEX. Additionally, there were workshops aimed at helping students master their pre-registration year, including a mock OSCEs session. The day concluded with an open Q&A session, where attendees could engage with an expert industry panel.
While I didn’t attend this part of the conference, the feedback I heard was incredibly positive. It’s clear that such sessions are invaluable for those at the start of their optometry careers, offering both practical experience and invaluable networking opportunities.
Savouring the Culinary Treats and Enjoying the Atmosphere
One of the pleasant surprises at the Eyecare Conference Glasgow was the high quality of the food. Lunch each day was a real treat, with delicious options that satisfied every palate. It was evident that a lot of thought went into the menu, making meal times something to look forward to.
The hospitality didn’t stop at lunch. In the mornings, there were always pastries available—a perfect companion to the coffees and teas that flowed freely whenever we needed a boost. Come afternoon, an assortment of cakes and desserts appeared, providing that sweet pick-me-up to keep us going through the later sessions.
Beyond the food, I thoroughly enjoyed the interactive CPD stations dotted around the venue. They offered engaging, hands-on learning that broke up the day nicely. Getting my peer-review sessions completed early in the year was a big relief. It means I can plan the rest of my CPD activities at a comfortable pace, rather than scrambling as the cycle’s end approaches.
Beyond learning, there were also opportunities to play an ophthalmic-themed game of the classic “Operation”, a hot lap on Mario Kart and also a chance to score a hole in one on a putting green. The catch? You had to perform them wearing low-vision simulating goggles! This provided some great entertainment – mostly for those observing!
Looking Ahead to Eyecare Conference Glasgow 2026
I’m already making plans to attend the next Eyecare Conference Glasgow in 2026, and I can’t recommend it enough. The sheer amount of CPD opportunities packed into those two days is incredible, especially considering the ticket price. It’s a chance to learn, connect, and grow in ways that are hard to find elsewhere.
If you’re worried about the distance, don’t be. Glasgow is more accessible than you might think. I decided to brave flying this time, and it turned out to be a breeze. The journey felt like a regular morning commute, only with the added perks of sipping airport coffee, enjoying stunning bird’s-eye views of England and Scotland, and having some uninterrupted time to dive into a good book. It was a refreshing start to the event.
Whether you choose to come by plane, train, or car, getting there is straightforward. And once you arrive, you’ll find it’s well worth the trip. The Eyecare Conference Glasgow offers so much—exceptional speakers, hands-on experiences, and the chance to be part of a vibrant community.
So why not join me in 2026? Mark your calendars, start making arrangements, and get ready for an event that promises to be both enriching and enjoyable. I hope to see you there!
Still not convinced? Check out the highlights reel from the day!
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