Duchess of Edinburgh honoured

The Duchess receives her award from Dr Gillian Ruddick, with Ian Humphreys, CEO of the College of Optometrists

The College of Optometrists has presented Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Edinburgh with an Honorary Fellowship for her “outstanding contribution to eye health”.

A Global Ambassador for the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, Her Royal Highness was guest of honour at the College of Optometrists’ Royal Charter anniversary reception at Apothecaries’ Hall in the City of London on World Sight Day 2025 (9 October).

Presenting the award, College of Optometrists president, Dr Gillian Rudduck, said: “We are honoured to present Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Edinburgh with Fellowship of the College of Optometrists to celebrate Her Royal Highness’ dedication to eliminating avoidable sight loss.

“The Duchess of Edinburgh’s work championing eye health projects in both the United Kingdom and in countries around the world is an inspiration to us all. Fellowship is the College’s highest accolade and recognises outstanding contributions to vision and eye health.

“As the College looks ahead to the next 30 years, we remain committed to our founding mission of optometry supporting better eye health and vision for all. Optometrists play a critical role as the first port of call for patients’ eye health and vision concerns, and we look forward to continuing our important work to achieve the aims of our Royal Charter,” Dr Ruddick added.

The British Optical Association was founded in 1895 as the first professional body for ophthalmic optics, before joining with the Scottish Association of Opticians and the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers in 1980 to become a single organisation: the College of Optometrists.

The College was awarded its Coat of Arms in 1981 and its Royal Charter in 1995.

The College of Optometrists’ Royal Charter celebratory dinner was held in the presence of the Duchess of Gloucester at London’s Guildhall in January 1996.