More than 100 optometrists, dispensing opticians and contact lens opticians attended the University of Huddersfield Annual Optical Conference, which sold out.

Held at the university’s Oastler Building on Queensgate campus, the conference brought clinicians from across West Yorkshire, the North West and further afield into the town for the day.

Now in its fourth year, it is hosted by the University of Huddersfield in partnership with University Valli Opticians and has grown into one of the North’s established professional events for the optical sector.

Alongside the lecture programme, delegates took part in hands-on clinical training in the university’s own optometry clinic and skills suite.

The session covered eye pressure measurement using Goldmann applanation tonometry and assessment of the optic nerve, the two examinations used to pick up glaucoma early, before a patient notices any change in their sight.

It was designed and delivered by Rachel Dixon, senior practitioner in optometry at the university, working with the university teaching team, and ran twice during the day in small groups so every delegate had time at the equipment.

A significant number of those who attended work in practices across Kirklees and neighbouring districts.

Sharper detection of conditions such as glaucoma in a routine sight test means earlier referral and better outcomes for patients locally.

The conference is run entirely on the Queensgate campus and uses local suppliers where it can.

Catering for the day was provided by RachAls Kitchen of Meltham, which has catered the event since 2024 and photography was by Mark Flynn and Dom Denison.

Delegates arriving on the Sunday used parking and facilities around the town centre through the day.

The event is funded by ticket sales and industry sponsorship, with 14 optical companies sponsoring or exhibiting in 2026.

Moin Valli, CEO of Valli Optometry and Audiology, said: “Huddersfield does not always get the credit for what it puts on.

“We had eyecare professionals giving up a Sunday and travelling from across the North to be here, and they spent the day learning in a working university clinic on Queensgate.

“Everyone who took part goes back to their practice better at spotting conditions like glaucoma early, and plenty of those practices are in and around Kirklees. That is the part that matters locally.

“The university has built something here that people now travel for, and we are proud to be part of it.”

The University of Huddersfield Annual Optical Conference returns on Sunday September 12 2027. Ticket details will be announced in the new year.

Companies interested in exhibiting or sponsoring the 2027 conference should email info@valliopticians.co.uk.