Optoversity Challenge

‘My Team and I participated in the 10th Anniversary Out of the Box Optics Optoversity Challenge in the south by Vision Care. We (Cardiff) competed with university students from Dublin, UWE, ARU and Huddersfield. It was a rewarding experience to learn skills and meet students from all over the UK who share the same passion in optometry.’

‘The (OSCE) stations were a great opportunity to apply knowledge in a practical, low-pressure setting … we also had the chance to attend a career panel discussion, where we could ask questions about individual career paths. I found the conversations around volunteering abroad, different pathways within optometry, and the future of myopia management particularly fascinating.’

Wolf Eyewear donates two pairs of sunglasses to the competition annually as competition prizes and also contributes financially to the fundraising efforts.

‘We really enjoy sponsoring the Optoversity challenge, it’s a great cause and to give back and support this is really important to us. Wolf Eyewear have been donating glasses to Vision Care and to help raise awareness of this great charity is something we are proud of.’ – Wolf Eyewear. Optoversity Challenge 2022

EssilorLuxottica was one of two major sponsors in 2026. As well as financial support, the company hosted the southern in-person event at its production site, where staff assisted with programme delivery and led lab tours, plus a team member supported delivery in the north. Essilor Luxottica also put up a prize which was presented to the champion of Optoversity Challenge 2026.

“We are incredibly proud to have sponsored and hosted part of this year’s Optoversity Challenge, particularly as it marks the 10th anniversary of such an inspiring initiative. It has been a privilege to support such talented and dedicated students, and we warmly congratulate the winning team and every participant on their outstanding achievements.”

Charlotte Timbury, EssilorLuxottica

'..thank you and the hosts for making the challenge today very enjoyable. It was a great insight into the different companies involved in Optometry and it was very useful to see the OSCE format.'

‘..it was such a fun and informative event. It was also very great to learn about the services that Vision Care offers, and I am hoping to volunteer my skillset after graduating.’

'..it was great to be a part of raising so much money for a wonderful cause’

'I really enjoyed taking part in the Optoversity Challenge and raising money for such a worthy cause was so rewarding. It was such a great experience where I learnt a lot too'

For a number of years, FODO has generously donated a prize fund in support of the competition. In 2026, our third-year silver winners in both the North and South each received Amazon vouchers funded by FODO. In addition, our gold first- and second-year winners also received vouchers as part of their prize.

‘FODO – The Association for Eye Care Providers, is delighted to support .. Out of the Box Optics Optoversity Challenge. This is a great initiative, bringing undergraduates from across the UK and ROI together to have fun, help Vision Care serve more patients, and learn more about the rich and diverse career opportunities the sector has to offer. – FODO – Optoversity Challenge 2022