Discover Fellowship by Portfolio

Fellowship is an emblem of excellence and innovation. Showcase your impact in one or more aspects of a variety of optometry-related domains. Peer assessment ensures recognition is based on merit.

Our Fellowship is a prestigious mark of achievement, inspiring all members to reach new heights. The flexible portfolio route encourages members from diverse backgrounds, providing a supportive path for acknowledgement of your accomplishments within optometry.

Take the next step on a path dedicated to advancing optometry, embarking on this journey of recognition, celebrating your unique contributions to the profession.

How to achieve Fellowship by Portfolio

Before starting your journey, it is essential to review the Fellowship Guidance. 

This is a comprehensive guide to assist you throughout the entire process:

Fellowship by Portfolio guidance (PDF)

The impact table offers examples of the types of evidence you could present in your application, organised by category:

Fellowship by Portfolio impact table (PDF)

Are you eligible for Fellowship?

A Fellow is an individual acknowledged by the College for showcasing impactful work that has made a significant difference in their field of practice, both locally and on broader national or international level.

To apply you must provide evidence of:

  1. registration with the GOC (overseas members should be registered with the appropriate regulatory authority)
  2. current membership of The College of Optometrist, continuous over the last five years
  3. a significant contribution to the practice of optometry, showing excellence and/or innovation in one or more of the following categories:
    • clinical practice
    • the provision of visual or wider healthcare
    • optometric research
    • optometric education
    • the management of visual healthcare
    • higher qualifications in vision science.

How to apply for Fellowship

  1. To start your application, download the required documents below. Read the guidance and check that you meet all the criteria. 
  2. Complete the paperwork and collect your evidence to support your achievements.
  3. Reach out to your referees, share the forms and evidence, and ask them to email everything directly to the College. 
  4. Pay the registration fee of £200 through your MyCollege portal.
Fellowship by Portfolio application form (PDF)
Fellowship by Portfolio referee declaration form (Word)
Fellowship by Portfolio complaints declaration form (Word)

A panel of assessors will then review your application and evidence. 

If successful, you'll be invited to the College's annual Diploma Ceremony to collect your Fellowship award and can proudly use the FCOptom affix.

Current Fellows by Portfolio

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Life and Honorary Fellowship

Each year the College recognises the outstanding achievements of individuals who have made an important contribution to the profession of optometry, through the awarding of Life and Honorary Fellowship of the College.
Find out more