Start developing your career through higher qualifications

The College of Optometrists accredits universities and hospitals to develop and deliver higher qualifications courses. These combine distance learning, coursework, assessments and practical sessions and, at higher levels, a portfolio of clinical experience. They provide in-depth understanding of the conditions you deal with every day in practice, equipping you for new challenges and responsibilities, and supporting your continuing professional development and career progression.

They include the latest research and thinking on key topics and conditions. Studying can develop your confidence, knowledge and skills to provide enhanced patient services or take up new opportunities. On completion, your expertise will be recognised with a College affix.

Higher qualifications are suitable at all stages of your career and in all settings. Each of the three levels carry master's level credits, allowing you to progress from refining core skills and extending your knowledge - so you can participate in community or hospital-based schemes - to undertaking advanced practical techniques and working confidently alongside leading hospital specialists managing and treating ocular conditions and pathologies.

Choose your subject area

Higher qualifications in medical retina

Prepare you to contribute to diabetic retinopathy screening, AMD treatment and medical retina triage clinics.

Higher qualifications in glaucoma

Detect and manage different kinds of glaucoma and associated conditions effectively with increasing levels of independence.

Higher qualifications in low vision

Assess and manage complex low vision cases and specialist populations.

Higher qualifications in paediatric eye care

Manage the specific and complex needs of younger patients with confidence.

Information on higher qualifications in contact lens practice (awaiting providers)

When you have successfully completed your qualification, your course provider will ratify the results (this can take some months) before sending them to the College. Those who complete a College-accredited higher qualifications course may only use the associated affix in the context of activity undertaken as a registered healthcare professional, and in the country in which the practitioner is registered. On receiving results, the College will update its records and advise the GOC so GOC staff can update its register. 

Certificates are issued free of charge only for full UK College members. 

If you complete a higher qualifications course while still a student registrant you may not use the associated affix until you have full (01-) GOC registration. You will not receive a certificate until you join the College as a newly qualified practising optometrist (qualifying in the UK) or a full UK member with full (01-) GOC registration. You will have until the next (first) OSCE date following your own OSCE sitting to join the College or you will not receive a certificate. The dates of all upcoming OSCE dates are on our website.

The College produces and prints certificates at regular intervals in the year. This means it may be some months before you receive a certificate, as the College must first receive the result and then include it in the next applicable print run. 

The College will invite full UK College members who complete a higher qualification at Higher Certificate or Diploma level to the College’s prestigious annual Diploma Ceremony to have their achievement officially recognised. The College will contact these course completers separately. 

The College will replace lost or damaged certificates for a fee of £30 to those who completed the course at a time when they were a full UK College member. Use the contact form to let us know if you require a replacement certificate.

Become a higher qualifications course provider