The College of Optometrists

The College of Optometrists, the professional body for optometrists in the UK, welcomes anything that highlights the importance of eye tests and their role in maintaining good eye health, such as September’s Which? Report “Testing the testers”.

As the Which? investigation highlights, eye tests not only test a patient’s sight, but also check the health of eyes and may identify signs of general health problems. All optometrists are highly trained, postgraduate professionals who have to adhere to the clear guidelines for professional conduct that are in place. Optometrists have a statutory duty to carry out whatever tests are necessary to determine their patients’ need for vision care and, like all clinicians, must rely on their own professional judgement, taking each patient on a case-by-case basis. For this reason, there cannot be a “one size fits all” approach to the eye test.

All practising optometrists are required by law to keep their skills and knowledge up to date to allow them to continue to practise. The issues raised by Which? must be viewed in context: of some 17.5 million+ eye tests carried out in the last year, only a tiny fraction was the subject of complaint to the regulatory body, the General Optical Council (0.0007%).

The College recommends the following:

• When choosing an optometrist, use personal recommendation from friends, family and colleagues; look for the MCOptom or FCOptom affix to check for membership of the College of Optometrists, which means that the optometrist has signed up to our Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Professional Conduct; and when you find an optometrist you like – stick with him/her.
• Buy your glasses where you have your eyes examined – in the unlikely event of any problems, they are much easier to sort out.
• Take your glasses or contact lenses with you when you have an eye examination.
• Let your optometrist know if you have any concerns about your vision or have noticed any changes
• The 'right' prescription for a patient is one that they are happy with – if you aren’t happy, go back to your optometrist. As part of continuing care and service your optometrist will be happy to adjust or make minor repairs to your glasses where possible.