We believe optometrists should be at the heart of patient-centred eye care in the UK, making full use of their skills, being given opportunities to develop new skills, and playing a central role in leading and delivering new models of care to improve patient outcomes. 

A workforce vision: Background

Our vision sets out how we will ensure that optometrists remain at the forefront of eye care provision.

A workforce vision: One year on

We launched our workforce vision for the UK in August 2022, here’s what we have achieved since.

A workforce vision: Two years on

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.

In the news

#TheCollegeWrapped: Our achievements from October to December 2025

From celebrating new graduates to launching our five-year plan, the final months of 2025 marked a powerful step toward the future of eye care.

College comments on DHSC update to GOS sight test fees and clinical placement payments for 2025/26

This week, the Department of Health and Social Care published details of its confirmed NHS sight test fee and NHS domiciliary fees from 1 April 2025, continuing professional development payments for 2024, and clinical placement training payments from 1 April 2025.

#TheCollegeWrapped: Our achievements from January to March 2025

From shaping eye care’s future to championing road safety, AI innovation, and inclusive learning – we made an impactful start to 2025.

The College of Optometrists presents Research Excellence Awards to pioneering optometry researchers

The College of Optometrists presented its annual Research Excellence Awards to 2025’s winners at its prestigious annual Diploma and Awards Ceremony on 18 November at Central Hall in Westminster, London.