Keeping Up with Evidence and Technology

Optical care continues to be shaped by new research, guidance, and technological advances. Staying current involves critical evaluation of evidence and a readiness to adopt suitable tools.^[1][5]

Evaluating research and guidelines

Before integrating new knowledge into care, practitioners consider whether it is robust and applicable by:^[2][3]

• Reviewing publications from reputable journals and professional bodies.^[2]
• Considering study design, sample size, and clinical relevance.^[3]
• Comparing new findings with existing guidance to identify consistency or conflict.^[1]

Adopting evidence-based practice

Evidence-based care draws on clinical expertise, research evidence, and patient values.^[2][4]

In practice, this includes:

• Applying up-to-date guidelines when making referral or treatment decisions.^[1]
• Explaining evidence clearly to patients to support shared decision-making.^[4]
• Adjusting practice promptly when national or local guidance changes.^[1]

Embracing technology

New technology - such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), myopia control lenses, or AI-supported screening - is increasingly central to practice. Effective adoption is supported by:^[7][6][5]

• Seeking training from accredited providers to ensure competence.^[5]
• Building confidence through supervised use before independent application.^[5]
• Explaining new technology to patients in clear, accessible language to support consent.^[4][1]

Using Digital Technologies Responsibly

Digital innovation is reshaping optical care, from electronic patient records and tele-optometry platforms to AI-assisted decision tools. Registrants are expected to use these technologies critically and responsibly, applying professional judgement rather than relying uncritically on automated outputs. Best practice includes:

• Understanding how digital systems generate and present data, including their limitations.

• Corroborating digital findings (for example, AI screening results or automated visual field outputs) with clinical examination and context.

• Protecting patient confidentiality and data security when using digital platforms.

• Keeping skills current through training in new systems, ensuring safe and competent use.

By integrating digital tools thoughtfully, practitioners can enhance accuracy and efficiency while maintaining accountability and patient trust.^[3][6]

References (numbered in text) Why we include references

1. 5. Keep your knowledge and skills up to date. General Optical Council. Find (opens in a new tab)
2. Higgins JP, Thomas J, Chandler J, Cumpston M, Li T, Page MJ, Welch VA (editors). Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions Version 6.5 (updated August 2024). Cochrane. Find (opens in a new tab)
3. CONSORT 2010 Statement: Updated Guidelines for Reporting Parallel Group Randomised Trials. Kenneth F Schulz, Douglas G Altman, David Moher; CONSORT Group. PLoS Med. 2010. Find (opens in a new tab)
4. Shared decision making. NICE guideline NG197. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Published 17 June 2021. Find (opens in a new tab)
5. Guidance for Professional Practice. The College of Optometrists. December 2023. Find (opens in a new tab)
6. Medical devices: software and artificial intelligence (AI). Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Published 6 April 2023. Find (opens in a new tab)
7. Clinically applicable deep learning for diagnosis and referral in retinal disease. Jeffrey De Fauw et al. Nature Medicine. 2018. Find (opens in a new tab)