Our aims are to ensure that optometrists' skills are constantly developed to meet new models of eye care and improve patient outcomes.

Our workforce vision sets out to keep optometrists at the forefront of eye care provision, and continue to be valued and recognised as key healthcare professionals.

The College of Optometrists is leading a sector-wide and UK-wide, multi-professional eye care workforce supply and demand data modelling project.

More on advancing optometry

The College welcomed two new Council members at its AGM, held in Birmingham on Tuesday 29 April 2025.

The College of Optometrists has awarded the first OptPE affix, its first-ever educational affix, to the inaugural group of optometrists who have completed the College’s enhanced training for supervisors.

The College is set to award the Optometric Practice Educator (OptPE) affix to a first group of optometrists at the AGM on Tuesday 29 April.

By Professor Irene Ctori FCOptom, Vice-President of The College of Optometrists

The College of Optometrists welcomes Healthwatch England’s recommendations to commission more optometry services within primary care to reduce hospital waiting times and improve patient outcomes.

We all have the opportunity to ensure the 10 Year Health Plan for the NHS recognises the central role optometrists play in leading and delivering new models of care to improve patient outcomes.