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About BIOS

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The British and Irish Orthoptic Society (BIOS) is the professional body for orthoptists, founded in 1937, representing orthoptists across the UK and Ireland.

We are committed to strengthening the profession, supporting our members throughout their careers, and ensuring orthoptics continues to evolve in response to changing patient needs and health service priorities.

We work nationally and internationally to influence policy, shape workforce development, support education and training, and raise the profile and impact of orthoptics within wider healthcare systems.

 

Our focus is guided by our strategic priorities:

  • Supporting and developing the orthoptic workforce
  • Promoting high-quality, equitable patient care
  • Influencing national policy and service development
  • Advancing education, training, and research
  • Championing equality, diversity, and inclusion
  • Strengthening the visibility and impact of the profession

Explore BIOS

About BIOS

Strategy & vision

Our strategic priorities and the direction that will guide the future of the profession.

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Governance Page

Governance

Find out how BIOS is structured, how we make decisions, and how we represent our members.

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Prescribing

Campaigns & advocacy

National policy work and initiatives that influence change and raise awareness.

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Influencing

Projects & programmes

Our work aimed at developing and securing the orthoptic workforce across the UK and Ireland, including initiatives in workforce development, digital innovation, and service improvement.

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EDI - Dversity networks

Equality, diversity & inclusion

Our commitment to building an inclusive profession and supporting all communities.

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Awards & recognition

Celebrating excellence, innovation, and achievement across the profession.

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Meet the team

The BIOS staff, volunteers, and leadership team key to delivering our strategy and supporting members.

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Post-grad orthoptics courses

Vacancies

Current opportunities within BIOS from specialist group leads to roles on our Board of Trustees and Expert Council.

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BIOS Archives

History of orthoptics

The development of the profession and its contribution to eye health over time.

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Our commitment

BIOS exists to represent, support, and strengthen the orthoptic profession. Everything we do is guided by our commitment to our members, to patients, and to improving eye health outcomes across the populations we serve.

We are proud to contribute to national and international groups, including the Allied Health Professions Federation, the International Orthoptic Association (IOA), and Orthoptistes de la Communauté Européenne (OCE), alongside key UK clinical and professional bodies.

This collaboration ensures orthoptics continues to influence and align with wider AHP, ophthalmology, and eye health strategies across health and care systems.

Our affiliations

BIOS is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee. BIOS members in the UK are also automatically trade union members of the British Orthoptic Society Trade Union (BOSTU).

BIOS is affiliated with the Allied Health Professionals Federation, a group of 12 bodies representing more than 158,000 workers in the UK. BIOS is also a member of the International Orthoptic Association (IOA) and Orthoptistes de la Communauté Européenne (OCE). BOSTU is affiliated with the Trades Union Congress (TUC).

BIOS are very proud that we are represented and make significant contributions to many national and international groups.  This continues to ensure that orthoptic practice, policy, research and education align with AHP and Eye Health strategies.