College of Optometrists

Working with universities

Author: Kamlesh Chauhan Posted: 25 July 2012

I was honoured earlier in July to be asked to unveil a plaque at the new building at Manchester University named after researcher and neurosurgeon Carys Bannister. Manchester is close to my heart: I was fortunate to have my PhD supervised at Manchester University by Neil Charman, whose name adorns one of the College’s Research Excellence awards. I am so pleased that optometry has moved on yet again at Manchester, and, as I said at the ceremony, I’m confident the lovely new building will be a foundation for students and staff to build on a proud heritage.



The College of Optometrists works closely with universities to provide the highest level of support to optometry students. We are increasingly engaging with undergraduates to help them understand the profession, their career choices, the practicalities of the pre-registration period, and ultimately reinforce the importance of professionalism as they embark on their career in optometry.

I am pleased that we are also able to support international pre-registration optometrists by our sponsorship under Tier 5 of the Government Authorised Exchange. We were successful in our application to the Border Agency, and are now processing pre-registration visa certificates. We will have to charge them a fee, because our members cannot subsidise international trainees, but we feel this is another appropriate way to support our universities and invest in the future of the profession of optometry around the world.