University of Huddersfield Annual Optical Conference 2026
About this Event
University of Huddersfield Annual Optical Conference is back for 2026.
Designed for optometrists, dispensing opticians and contact lens opticians, this flagship event offers up to 12 CPD points through a dynamic programme of expert lectures, discussion workshops, peer review sessions and hands-on practical workshops.
This year’s conference also includes Peer Review, IP/AS/SP Specialty Points and CL Specialty Points.
Lunch and refreshments are included throughout the day. Please select your preferred lunch option and dietary requirements when booking your ticket.
The Sponsors:
Optegra, Hoya Lens UK, Topcon, Bausch & Lomb, Eyedoctor & FODO
The Exhibitors:
Stepper Eyewear, Eye Space, Wolf Eyewear, Vasuma, Alcon, Scope Eyecare, Spa Medica, Nuance Audio & University of Huddersfield
Track 1
🕑: 08:45 AM - 09:30 AM
Registration
🕑: 09:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Black and White or Shades of Grey in Practices
Host: Hoya
Info: This session explores four real-world practice scenarios where the “right” answer is not always straightforward. Cases include tonometry findings, low vision solutions, professional behaviour concerns, and occupational lens requirements.
Points: 3,
Domains: Clinical Practice, Leadership & Accountability,
Format: Discussion Workshop,
Audience: Optometrists, Dispensing Opticians
🕑: 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
Exhibitors Session/Coffee
🕑: 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
Next-Gen Optometry: Smarter Tech, Better Decisions, Connected Care
Host: Topcon
Info: Artificial intelligence and digital technology are rapidly reshaping optometric practice.
This interactive workshop explores what these technologies can do today, where the evidence is strongest, and where clinicians should remain cautious.
Points: 3,
Domains: Communication and clinical practice,
Format: Discussion Workshop,
Audience: Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians
🕑: 12:15 PM - 01:00 PM
Exhibitors/Lunch
🕑: 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Presbyopia in Practice: MF CL fitting
Host: Bausch & Lomb
Info: This session explores modern multifocal contact lens fitting and the management of presbyopia in practice. Delegates will consider patient selection, communication, fitting strategies and troubleshooting to improve confidence and fitting success with presbyopic patients.
Points: 3,
Domains: Clinical Practice, Communication,
Format: Discussion Workshop,
Audience: Contact Lens Opticians, Dispensing Opticians, Optometrists,
Specialty: Contact Lens Specialty
🕑: 02:10 PM - 03:10 PM
Two Staff and a Coffee Machine - Challenges of an Eclectic Practice Team
Host: Hoya
Info: This Peer Review explores four varied cases that may present in community practice, including suspect glaucoma, progressive lens non-tolerance, myopia management and presbyopia with antimetropia.
Points: 3,
Domains: Communication, Leadership & Accountability,
Format: Peer Review,
Audience: Optometrists, Dispensing Opticians
Track 2
🕑: 08:45 AM - 09:30 AM
Registration
🕑: 09:30 AM - 10:30 AM
OCT Findings in AMD and Medical Retinal Disease
Host: Optegra
Info: This session explores how optical coherence tomography (OCT) is used to identify and differentiate age-related macular degeneration (AMD) from other medical retinal diseases.
Points: 3,
Domains: Communication, Clinical Practice,
Format: Discussion Workshop,
Audience: Optometrists, Dispensing Opticians
🕑: 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
Exhibitors Session/Coffee
🕑: 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
Glaucoma: A Practical Approach for the Optometrist
Host: EyeDoctor
Info: This session provides a practical overview of glaucoma management in optometric practice, including clinical diagnosis, investigative testing, treatment options, referral criteria and the assessment of post-surgical patients through real case studies.
Points: 2,
Domains: Clinical Practice,
Format: Discussion Workshop,
Audience: Optometrists,
Specialty: Specialty Optometrists (AS/SP/IP)
🕑: 12:15 PM - 01:00 PM
Exhibitors/Lunch
🕑: 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Classic Corneal Conundrums
Host: EyeDoctor
Info: Comprehensive overview of four types of corneal diseases using cases of infectious, hereditary, degenerative and inflammatory aetiologies.
Points: 3,
Domains: Clinical Practice,
Format: Discussion Workshop,
Audience: Optometrist, Dispensing Opticians
🕑: 02:10 PM - 03:10 PM
A New Angle on Glaucoma: Innovation, OCT, and the Future of Early Detection
Host: Topcon
Info: This interactive workshop invites optometrists to reflect on and refine their current approach to early glaucoma detection and monitoring. The session also explores the growing role of AI-driven tools in glaucoma care and how emerging technologies may enhance clinical workflows, referral pathways and patient engagement.
Points: 3,
Domains: Communication, Clinical Practice,
Format: Discussion Workshop,
Audience: Optometrists, Dispensing Opticians
Track 3
🕑: 08:45 AM - 09:30 AM
Registration
🕑: 09:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Back to Basics: Confident GAT and Optic Disc Assessment in Practice
Host: University of Huddersfield
Info: This practical CPD event is designed for primary care optometrists working in the community who wish to refresh and strengthen their practical skills in glaucoma assessment. The session will focus on Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT) and optic disc assessment using a bio-headset, with an emphasis on confident, real world application in everyday practice.
Points: 3,
Domains: Communication, Clinical Practice, Professionalism, Leadership & Accountability,
Format: Skills Workshop - Interactive;
Audience: Optometrists, Dispensing Opticians
🕑: 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
Exhibitors Session/Coffee
🕑: 12:15 PM - 01:00 PM
Exhibitors/Lunch
🕑: 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Back to Basics: Confident GAT and Optic Disc Assessment in Practice
Host: University Of Huddersfield
Info: This practical CPD event is designed for primary care optometrists working in the community who wish to refresh and strengthen their practical skills in glaucoma assessment. The session will focus on Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT) and optic disc assessment using a bio-headset, with an emphasis on confident, real world application in everyday practice.
Points: 3,
Domains: Communication, Clinical Practice, Professionalism, Leadership & Accountability,
Format: Skills Workshop - Interactive;
Audience: Optometrists, Dispensing Opticians
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 35.00 to GBP 49.00
