Events by Ophthalmic Pharmacy Group Opg

The OPG Community & Primary Care Eye Day is a vital initiative aimed at strengthening the link between hospital-based ophthalmic pharmacy and community practitioners. As more eye care services move out of the hospital setting and into the community, it is essential that community pharmacists and primary care practitioners are equipped with the knowledge to manage common eye conditions safely and effectively. This event focuses on the "frontline" of eye care—the pharmacy counter and the GP surgery—where patients often first present with red eyes, dry eye symptoms, or concerns about their vision. The day is structured around the most common ophthalmic presentations in primary care. Expert speakers will provide clear pathways for the management of minor eye conditions, emphasizing when to treat and when to refer. A major theme for 2026 is "The Dry Eye Epidemic," looking at how community pharmacists can lead in the management of ocular surface disease through environmental advice, eyelid hygiene education, and the rational selection of lubricant eye drops. The Ophthalmic Pharmacy Group (OPG) aims to empower community practitioners to play a more active role in the Minor Eye Conditions Service (MECS), reducing the burden on hospital eye casualty departments. In addition to clinical skills, the OPG Community & Primary Care Eye Day addresses the practicalities of prescribing and dispensing in the community. Sessions will cover the latest changes in the Drug Tariff, the availability of preservative-free eye drops on FP10 prescriptions, and the role of the pharmacist in post-cataract surgery care. Networking opportunities are woven throughout the day, allowing community pharmacists to meet their hospital-based colleagues and establish better communication channels for shared care. This event is a must-attend for any practitioner looking to improve their ocular clinical skills and provide a higher level of service to their local population.

The Ophthalmic Pharmacy Group (OPG) Ocular Therapeutics Symposium 2026 is a cornerstone event for those seeking to stay at the cutting edge of eye-related pharmacology. Located at the prestigious Royal Hallamshire Hospital, a hub for ophthalmic excellence, this symposium brings together pharmacists, researchers, and clinicians to explore the frontier of drug delivery and therapeutic innovation. The primary focus of the 2026 session is "The Future of Retinal Therapeutics," specifically examining the shift from frequent intravitreal injections to long-acting implants and gene therapies. The symposium features a series of keynote lectures from internationally recognized experts who are leading clinical trials in Sheffield and beyond. These speakers will provide inside looks into the latest data on biosimilars in ophthalmology, discussing the hurdles of switching patients and the potential for cost savings within the NHS. For the clinical pharmacist, understanding the pharmacokinetic profiles of these new agents is essential for managing patient expectations and monitoring for rare but serious side effects. The event also includes a panel discussion on the ethical and financial implications of high-cost gene therapies, providing a holistic view of the challenges facing modern ophthalmic pharmacy. In addition to the high-level scientific content, the OPG Ocular Therapeutics Symposium offers a unique "Pharmacy Innovation Zone." This area allows delegates to interact with the latest technology in automated dispensing and digital health tools designed for eye clinics. Attendees are encouraged to present their own research or audit posters, with prizes awarded for projects that demonstrate a significant impact on patient safety or pharmacy efficiency. This symposium is not just a learning opportunity; it is a call to action for pharmacy professionals to take a leading role in the evolution of ocular medicine.

This specialized workshop, hosted by the Ophthalmic Pharmacy Group in collaboration with regional oculoplastic specialists, focuses on the pharmaceutical management of oculoplastic, lacrimal, and orbital conditions. For many pharmacy professionals, the nuances of post-surgical care in oculoplastics and the management of complex orbital inflammatory diseases can be daunting. This event aims to demystify these areas through focused educational sessions that cover everything from perioperative anticoagulation management to the use of immunosuppressants in thyroid eye disease. The OPG Oculoplastic & Lacrimal Pharmacy Workshop is designed to be highly practical. It includes "hands-on" elements where delegates can examine the different types of lacrimal inserts, stents, and specialized dressings used in ocular surgery. Experts will lead discussions on the compounding of bespoke topical medications, such as preservative-free formulations and fortified antibiotics, which are often required for high-risk patients. The program also addresses the rising trend of aesthetic oculoplastics and the role of the pharmacist in ensuring the safety and efficacy of products used in these procedures. A significant portion of the workshop is dedicated to the patient journey. From the initial consultation in a lacrimal clinic to the long-term follow-up of orbital surgery, the pharmacist's role in counseling patients on the correct administration of ocular medications is paramount. Attendees will learn how to troubleshoot common issues, such as poor compliance due to complex dosing schedules or side effects from systemic medications used for orbital conditions. By the end of the day, participants will have a comprehensive understanding of the specialized pharmaceutical needs of oculoplastic patients and be better equipped to provide high-quality care within their respective practice settings.

The Ophthalmic Pharmacy Group (OPG) Northern Ophthalmic Pharmacy Forum is a premier gathering designed to bridge the gap between theoretical pharmacological research and frontline clinical practice. As the landscape of ocular therapeutics shifts toward more complex biological agents and long-acting delivery systems, this forum provides a vital space for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to align their expertise with modern surgical and medical advancements. The event focuses on the unique challenges faced by pharmacy professionals in the North of England, specifically addressing the integration of pharmacy-led clinics in the management of chronic conditions such as glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration. The 2026 forum will delve into the critical role of the pharmacist in the multidisciplinary "Eye Team." Sessions will cover the latest updates in NICE guidelines, antimicrobial stewardship in ophthalmology, and the expanding role of independent prescribers. Attendees will participate in interactive workshops focused on complex case studies, where they can refine their diagnostic and management skills under the guidance of leading consultant ophthalmologists and senior ophthalmic pharmacists. This event serves as a platform for sharing local success stories and developing standardized protocols that can be implemented across various NHS trusts to improve patient outcomes and medication safety. Beyond the clinical updates, the OPG Northern Ophthalmic Pharmacy Forum emphasizes professional development and peer-to-peer networking. With the increasing pressure on eye casualty departments, the forum explores how pharmacy-led triage and discharge services can alleviate wait times. Participants will also have the opportunity to engage with industry partners to discuss upcoming therapies and the practicalities of introducing new medicines into hospital formularies. By attending, delegates will gain the knowledge and confidence required to champion the pharmacy profession within the ophthalmic specialty, ensuring that medication management remains at the forefront of patient care.

The UK Ophthalmic Pharmacy Group (OPG) Annual Meeting is the premier gathering for pharmacy professionals dedicated to the specialized field of eye care. This upcoming event in Sheffield serves as a vital platform for pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and allied healthcare professionals to converge and discuss the rapidly evolving landscape of ocular therapeutics. The 2026 conference focuses on "Innovation in Ocular Drug Delivery and Shared Care Models." As the burden of chronic eye conditions like glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) increases, the role of the pharmacy team has shifted from traditional dispensing to active clinical management. This meeting addresses these shifts through a blend of expert-led keynote sessions, clinical workshops, and peer-reviewed poster presentations. Attendees can expect in-depth discussions on the latest pharmaceutical advancements, including long-acting ocular implants, biosimilars in ophthalmology, and the integration of artificial intelligence in diagnostic screening within community pharmacy settings. A significant portion of the day is dedicated to the UKOPG Bursary Awards, where finalists present innovative projects that have improved patient outcomes or optimized departmental efficiencies. Beyond the clinical updates, the event is designed to foster a strong professional network. It provides a unique space for members to share "best practice" protocols, discuss commissioning challenges within the NHS, and collaborate on national audits. Whether you are a specialist ophthalmic pharmacist or a generalist looking to expand your clinical portfolio, this meeting offers essential CPD-accredited learning and the chance to influence the future of ophthalmic pharmacy practice in the UK.