News
Optometry Ireland are committed to raising public awareness about critical eye health issues that affect both children and adults.
As part of our ongoing efforts, we actively engage with government bodies to represent the interest of our members and the wide community. We advocate for necessary changes to bring optometry to standards and practices in line with other healthcare professions, ensuring best possible care for all who attend an optometrist.
To learn more about our work over the years, and to listen to radio interviews featuring Optometry Ireland Council members and other optometrists who have shared their expert insights with the public, please select a year below:
2026 Annual General Meeting and Study Day
Click HERE to Register
World Sight Day
This World Sight Day take a moment to love your eyes! Thursday 8 October 2026 Every day the moment we wake up until we fall asleep our eyes are taking in information to navigate our world. We blink about 15,000 times a day and a good tear film is important for clear...
Practice Owners and the Karshan Decision
This info graphic serves as an explainer of implications of the Karshan Decision for Practice Owners. The Kashan decision is a Supreme Court decision that established a framework for determining whether a worker is an employee or genuinely self employed.
Locum Optometrists and the Karshan Decision
This info graphic serves as an explainer of implications of the Karshan Decision for Locum Optometrists. The Kashan decision is a Supreme Court decision that established a framework for determining whether a worker is an employee or genuinely self employed.
VAT Treatment of Opticians
This guidance sets out the VAT treatment of supplies of goods and services made byopticians and how VAT can be reclaimed. Download for the entire document. VAT Treatment of Opticians.pdf
Save the Date for our Annual General Meeting
8th November 2026, Tullamore Court Hotel, Offaly The Optometry Ireland Study Day and Annual General Meeting 2026 is coming soon! Save the date and register today for what promises to be an engaging and informative day. Please feel free to share the details with your...
Calling all optometrists: help shape future Sjögren’s research
Closes Monday, 21 September Optometrists are being invited to take part in the next stage of the James Lind Alliance Sjögren’s Disease Priority Setting Partnership. More than 1,000 questions were submitted in the first stage of the project and have now been narrowed...
Kyrie Farm 5K Step up for Recovery
Optometrists key to meeting growing demand for eye-care
Optometry Ireland has appointed Jack O’Flanagan as its new Executive Director – to lead the organisation in its future development.
Welcoming Mr O’Flanagan to the organisation OI President Liz Grennan said: “Jack O’Flanagan is a medical education professional with over a decade of experience. Most recently he was the manager of the Forum of Irish Postgraduate Medical Training Bodies where he led national projects on governance, accreditation, and strategy for postgraduate medical education. He is a member of the Radiographers Registration Board in CORU.
“He previously held senior roles at the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, including Manager of International Affairs, with responsibility for overseas training partnerships. He began his career at RCSI, working on undergraduate medical education.
“Jack holds an MBS (Professional Masters in Business Studies) from UCC – and has significant experience in project and change management, stakeholder engagement, and working with government, regulatory and international partners.”
Mr O’Flanagan said he looked forward to advancing opportunities for Optometrists and strengthening the profession’s contribution to better eye health in the population.
“As Ireland’s population grows and ages, demand for eye-care will continue to increase. Optometrists play a vital role in protecting vision through early detection, ongoing management of many eye conditions, and accessible care delivered in communities across the country. In line with the principles of Sláintecare, we believe patients should have access to the right care, in the right place, at the right time. I look forward to working with our members, policymakers and healthcare partners to help realise that vision.”
Optometry Ireland (OI) is the professional representative body for the vast majority of practising Optometrists in Ireland, including 700 members in 350 locations nationwide. OI works to ensure the highest possible standards in clinical and dispensing eye-care services to the public. www.optometryireland.ie
SILMO Paris this September–Start Strong
Optometrists key to meeting growing demand for eye-care
Optometry Ireland has appointed Jack O’Flanagan as its new Executive Director – to lead the organisation in its future development.
Welcoming Mr O’Flanagan to the organisation OI President Liz Grennan said: “Jack O’Flanagan is a medical education professional with over a decade of experience. Most recently he was the manager of the Forum of Irish Postgraduate Medical Training Bodies where he led national projects on governance, accreditation, and strategy for postgraduate medical education. He is a member of the Radiographers Registration Board in CORU.
“He previously held senior roles at the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, including Manager of International Affairs, with responsibility for overseas training partnerships. He began his career at RCSI, working on undergraduate medical education.
“Jack holds an MBS (Professional Masters in Business Studies) from UCC – and has significant experience in project and change management, stakeholder engagement, and working with government, regulatory and international partners.”
Mr O’Flanagan said he looked forward to advancing opportunities for Optometrists and strengthening the profession’s contribution to better eye health in the population.
“As Ireland’s population grows and ages, demand for eye-care will continue to increase. Optometrists play a vital role in protecting vision through early detection, ongoing management of many eye conditions, and accessible care delivered in communities across the country. In line with the principles of Sláintecare, we believe patients should have access to the right care, in the right place, at the right time. I look forward to working with our members, policymakers and healthcare partners to help realise that vision.”
Optometry Ireland (OI) is the professional representative body for the vast majority of practising Optometrists in Ireland, including 700 members in 350 locations nationwide. OI works to ensure the highest possible standards in clinical and dispensing eye-care services to the public. www.optometryireland.ie
Optometry Ireland Eclipse Advice
Issued by Optometry Ireland Tuesday August 11, 2026. Optometrists advise about eye protection when viewing Solar Eclipse Optometrists are advising the public to exercise care in viewing tomorrow’s solar eclipse (6pm Wednesday August 12), as prolonged...