Optician News In Brief

Actress Dame Maggie Smith has agreed to be patron of the International Glaucoma Association (IGA). The winner of two Academy Awards and five BAFTAs said it was important to raise the profile of the charity so the public have a greater understanding of glaucoma and the treatments available. IGA chief executive David Wright added: 'I'm enormously grateful to Dame Maggie for agreeing to be our patron. Glaucoma is so important and so often overlooked, and the value that someone of her standing can bring to the IGA is incalculable.'

Abstracts on accreditation, development of the profession and increasing capacity to deliver eye care have been invited for a forthcoming overseas conference. Research will be brought together at next year's European Academy of Optometry and Optics' annual conference, scheduled for April 19-21 in Malaga, Spain. Academy president Roger Crelier said: 'I urge eye care professionals to get involved in this event and submit abstracts to allow people from other countries to learn from their work to advance the profession and improve standards around the world.'