Our aims are to ensure that optometrists' skills are constantly developed to meet new models of eye care and improve patient outcomes.
In our response, we have highlighted the critical role of primary eye care and the optometric workforce in delivering integrated, cost-effective NHS services.
Standards and guidance for non-medical eye healthcare professionals to deliver patient care in a multidisciplinary team setting.
The new framework recognises primary eye care as fundamental to NHS provision and local leadership.
Optometrists have evolved from prescribers of spectacles to crucial primary care providers, writes Becky McCall.
College-accredited higher qualifications reflect the evolving reality of day-to-day clinical optometry practice. They prepare optometrists for enhanced roles and expanded responsibilities.
We are concerned that primary eye care has been omitted as a priority opportunity in the framework.
The College of Optometrists used this year’s major political party conferences to promote key messages about optometry and eye health to MPs and ministers, aligning discussions with the NHS 10-year health plan.
The College of Optometrists has presented Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh with an Honorary Fellowship of the College in recognition of Her Royal Highness’s outstanding contribution to eye health.
With the Diploma Ceremony taking place on 18 November 2025, we’re celebrating this special milestone with stories of your special day.
During a busy September, the College travelled around the UK to meet excited first-year optometry students as part of its 2025 student roadshows.
College welcomes the GOC’s thematic review on commercial practices and patient safety.
What the NHS 10-Year Health Plan means for optometry in England
As part of its 10-Year Health Plan, the government is proposing to extend the range of prescription-only medicines available for optometrists to supply under the medicines exemptions legislation.