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Information on topics discussed at the second annual meeting of the European Academy of Optometry and Optics (EAOO) that was held in England on May 15, 2010 is presented. Topics include the progress and prevention of myopia, evaluation of vision training in rehabilitation centres through optometric intervention and assessment of retinal ganglion function. The meeting features several optometry professors including Bernard Gilmartin, Roger Anderson, and Holge Dietze.

The article presents information on the 36th Association of Optometrists' (AOP) Hospital Optometrists Annual Conference, held in Heathrow, England, from November 5-7, 2010. Nilpah Shah presented the results of a study of visual acuity measured using vanishing optotypes and conventional letters while Michael Grossland and Roger Anderson presented on reading and writing papers and posters. Information on other sessions is presented.

The article offers information on the Association of Optometrists Annual Hospital Optometrists Conference held at Chesford Grange Hotel in Kenilworth, England. The conference included a simulating programme combining experts within optometry and ophthalmology, and a series of more hands-on interactive sessions. The first session opened with a series of short paper presentations by British hospital-based optometrists.

The article reports on the £50 registration fee rise proposed by the General Optical Council (GOC) board members at a meeting held in London, England. The proposal for the increase made by the Finance and Procedure (F&P) Committee of GOC was based on other costs such as the transition to a more board-like Council and the implementation of the government's White Paper recommendations. Proposal being laid would see a late application fee of £10 for students if approved.

The article reports on the collaboration of the Institute of Optometry and the London South Bank University to launch the Doctor of Optometry programme in London, England. Sir Patrick Cable-Alexander said that the scheme involves a taught element in the first two years. It notes that the entry level for the new doctorate will be evidence of work at a masters level, but optometrists who had a paper published or completed a higher diploma or produced high quality written material will be eligible.

Information about several papers discussed at a meeting regarding the implementation of the UK Vision Strategy in London, England. Industry insiders say that the optical sector must step up its lobbying efforts if eye health is to be pushed higher up the government's agenda. According to Lesley-Anne Alexander, chair of the UK Vision Strategy Strategic Advisory Group, eye health is on the political agenda, but people need to do more locally and nationally.

The article features the Japanese kimono displayed by Hodd Barnes & Dickins of Mason's Avenue in London, England in celebration of the new Nodoka optical collection by the Charmant Group. The Uchikake or bridal kimono are the excessively decorated costumes worn, described as beautifully crafted and symbolic. Japanese andon lamps replicating the ancient lanterns once made of paper and wood have accompanied the embroidered dress in the window display. The group has incorporated many Japanese unique designs into the collection.

The article highlights the meeting of the GOC which was held in London, England on June 28, 2007. Members received updates on the white paper working groups and progress within the British Department of Health where they asked to endorse the proposal for fitness to practise hearings to be moved to an independent adjudication body. A new unified competency framework for optics was also proposed to take on board best practice from the Optometrists Association Australia.

The article reports on the decision to establish a maximum of 13 members for the British General Optical Council (GOC) in compliance with provisions of the white paper "Trust, Assurance and Safety" at a meeting in London, England. Chairman Rosie Varley told members that the government hopes that the new council would be operating by 2009. The council accepted the revised guidance on contact lenses of the College of Optometrists during the meeting.

Reports on the concern of the Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB) about the neglect of people in domiciliary care from subsidized eye examinations provided by the National Health Service (NHS) in England. Number of housebound older people who are not using the free home sight test program of the NHS; Information on the research paper of the RNIB titled "Primary Eye Care in England: A Vision for the Future"; Views of Jayne Rawlinson, chairman of the domiciliary eye committee of the RNIB, on regular sight tests for people confined at home.

Reports on a new approach to primary ophthalmic services proposed by the College of Optometrists in England to the British Department of Health. Levels of service that the Health Bill enabled the secretary of state to define which were given by the College in its policy paper; Views of College CEO Bryony Pawinska on ophthalmic service; Associations that have given support for the proposal.

Expresses an opinion about the exclusion of optometry profession in the circulation of the discussion paper "Standards for Better Health, Health Care Standards for Services Under the NHS" by the Department of Health in England. Consequence of the exclusion; Information on the core and developmental standards of Great Britain National Health Service (NHS); Cause of the public misconception on NHS.