Volunteers Wanted 14th & 15th June
21 May 2026
Volunteers Needed: Optometry Tomorrow 2026
Join us to learn. connect. grow.
This is an urgent call for volunteers to assist The College of Optometrists at their conference, Optometry Tomorrow 2026. We need individuals to act as patients during workshop sessions, helping to train eye care professionals.
Event Details & Volunteer Role:
When: Sunday 14 and Monday 15 June 2026
Role Requirements:
- Available for 1-hour session(s) on either or both days.
- Sit in front of a live audience of trainees.
- Comfortable with having eye drops applied, if required.
- Existing contact lens wearers are welcome, though removal may be necessary.
We are currently recruiting volunteers in two distinct groups to ensure a comprehensive training experience.
Group 1: general healthy volunteers
You do not need any existing eye conditions to apply. If you meet the general role requirements above, we want to hear from you!
Group 2: volunteers with specific eye conditions
We are looking to hear from members of our local community who are willing to help optometrists enhance their skills in key diagnostic areas, specifically including:
- Wearers of hard (‘rigid gas permeable’) contact lenses, primarily due to keratoconus.
- Individuals affected by glaucoma, including those with:
- Narrowed tear drainage openings (punctal stenosis).
- A blocked drainage channel due to pigment dispersion syndrome, pseudoexfoliation, or Fuchs heterochromic cyclitis.
- Rubeotic glaucoma (a form of raised eye pressure).
- A previous episode of acute angle closure (sudden rise in eye pressure).
- A laser iridotomy (a small laser treatment to the coloured part of the eye).
Benefits:
- Payment of £20 per session.
- All travel expenses reimbursed.
- Light refreshments provided on-site.
- Help shape the future of eye care in the UK.
To volunteer or find out more information, including a detailed venue address, please get in touch:
020 7766 4347 | sian.palmer-thompson@college-optometrists.org
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