College of Optometrists encourages the public to seek eye care if they have concerns about their vision or eye health.

Use our online resources and materials to support your continuing professional development and earn essential CPD points.

The GOC has approved an extension of temporary changes to their Optometry Handbook and Supervision policy

Emma Bennett explores the link between a rise in screen time during the pandemic and increasing levels of myopia in children. 

Clinical files: The local glaucoma service called the practice and requested a patient’s historic intraocular pressure results. Can I give these out over the phone?

Clinical files: Can I prescribe a prescription-only medicine based on my findings and working diagnosis from a remote consultation?

Clinical files: A patient refuses to wear a face covering when attending a primary care practice for a sight test. What should I do?

Clinical files: How can I safely use a visual field machine during the recovery phase of the pandemic?

Clinical files: Do I need to wear a face mask in the staff room?

We’ve been working with governments and eye health organisations across the UK to ensure that you have the all the latest news, information and regulations relating to optometry and COVID-19 in your nation.

Since our first update on 20 March 2020, right at the start of lockdown, we’ve been providing timely, relevant news, information and guidance that you can trust.

Read on for the answers to your COVID-19 questions, covering a range of topics from driving and HES referrals to PPE and tonometry.

Three optometrists – hospital-based, in the community and newly qualified – on how they have fought back against the pandemic over the past 12 months.

Daniel Hardiman-McCartney FCOptom, Clinical Adviser for the College, on the vital importance of professional judgement.

Eye health issues that are making the news.

This week, the GOC agreed to the College’s proposal for a more flexible approach to meeting logbook requirements for optometrists training to be independent prescribers.

The College has written to the GOC in support of an extension to the temporary changes made to the Optometry Handbook and Supervision policy by the GOC in August 2020.

The Association of British Dispensing Opticians and The College of Optometrists urge all employers to support their clinicians and their teams to maintain the high standards of infection control.

The General Optical Council (GOC) has published the results of its 2021 public perceptions research.

Optometrists are taking part in one of the biggest medical breakthroughs in decades, learning new skills, boosting their confidence and expanding the profession’s scope of practice. Radhika Holmström reports.

Eyecare provision as lockdown eases across the UK.

The College of Optometrists’ member app helps support members in providing the best possible patient care.

If you are a locum or non-NHS provider practice staff, LOCSU has created a vaccine portal to ensure you are registered locally to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Podcast: The College hosted a webinar in January 2021 with a panel of representatives from The College, ABDO,AOP, FODO and GOC, answering questions from practitioners on the national lockdown.