British and Irish Orthoptic Society

31/07/2026

Our new Strabismus & Ocular Motility forum is now live in the members' area.

It covers all the streams under the Strabismus and Ocular Motility CAG, including Amblyopia, Thyroid and Orbital, Eye Movement Recording, and Strabismus and Ocular Motility.

Sign up now via My Account: https://buff.ly/a7dn6Ev [login required]

30/07/2026

Today we have published our refreshed BIOS Strategy, which forms the basis of our work over the next two years.

The original five-year strategy was signed off in 2023, with a commitment to review it after three years. A refreshed version was therefore presented as part of the BIOS AGM in Glasgow and, following final updates, has now been formally approved and published.

The refreshed strategy provides continuity while recognising the extent of what has been achieved since 2023. It gives us a clear framework for building on that progress and continuing to deliver our ambitions for BIOS and the orthoptic profession over the coming years.

Find out more via the link in our bio.

29/07/2026

Fantastic to see students in Exeter getting a hands-on introduction to careers in orthoptics.

Advanced orthoptist Laura Doucas introduced students at Matford Brook Academy to the role of an orthoptist and demonstrated how they diagnose and treat problems with eye movement and how the eyes work together.

Students also explored different routes into the profession before taking part in practical activities, including vision tests and the use of equipment to assess eye movement. The session gave them an insight into how patients are supported in clinical settings and prompted questions about the technology used in diagnosis and treatment.

Read more: https://buff.ly/46lQnEm

Students at Matford Brook Academy were given a hands-on introduction to the specialist NHS profession of orthoptics during a careers session…

29/07/2026

We were delighted to belatedly present Awards to those unable to make our presentation in June.

A huge congratulations once again to: Courtney Healey, Educator of the Year; Louise Rossiter, Rising Star Award; and John McBride, BOSTU Rep of the Year.

You can find out more about all of our winners on our Awards 2026 page: https://buff.ly/2zZwSON

28/07/2026

The Royal Society for Public Health have expanded its bank of case studies showing AHPs having a positive effect on the public's health and wellbeing, including two more stories from orthoptists:

Senior Orthoptist at NHS Ayrshire & Arran, Marion Sloan's case study details their vision screening of children exposed to methadone in utero, allowing for the early identification of issues in a group with increased likelihood of visual abnormalities.

Michelle Blyth highlights the role of the virtual Macular Assessment Clinic at Newcastle Eye Centre in reviewing patients effectively and quickly, giving rapid access to treatment where needed, without them having to endure long waiting times in clinic.

Read more: https://buff.ly/KzGQU1V

27/07/2026

Are you an experienced Orthoptic Clinical Tutor with a passion for teaching and mentoring? Do you want to play a key role in developing the next generation of clinical educators?

We are seeking experienced Clinical Tutors to join our team of deliverers for the BIOS Clinical Tutors’ Course. This is a paid role, remunerated at Band 7 rates. Courses are co-delivered in pairs, and you will shadow an active course before delivering sessions independently with your co-tutor.

The deadline for expressions of interest is 31st August.

Find out more: https://buff.ly/nkCz29L

24/07/2026

Book now for our Vision Screening Training Day, being held online in September.

Subjects include reaching home-schooled and privately educated children, training vision screeners, binocular vision anomalies, and false negatives and children with additional support needs.

Full details, including how to book: https://buff.ly/hmu1Osa

23/07/2026

Thank you to everyone who provided feedback following the BIOS Conference.

We were delighted to see that 96% of you felt it was very good or excellent. We're already responding to your feedback to make sure next year's Symposium is better than ever!

22/07/2026

Interested in promoting the orthoptic profession? Join us on 16th September for our next Visibility Champions meeting.

We'll be updating on recent activities and looking forward to AHPs Day in October.

Register now: https://buff.ly/vaz11mw

21/07/2026

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