19 August 2026

The College of Optometrists updates the glaucoma higher qualifications it accredits

Glaucoma

The College of Optometrists has published updated learning outcomes for the three glaucoma higher qualifications it accredits: the Professional Certificate in Glaucoma, the Higher Certificate in Glaucoma, and the Professional Diploma in Glaucoma.

The review included in-depth consultation with representatives from current course providers, subject matter experts, employers, qualification holders, and other stakeholders to evaluate the curriculum and ensure the qualifications remain fit for purpose and meet the needs of current clinical practice. The result is a small number of updates to the qualifications’ learning outcomes and content, reflecting advances in technology and clinical practice in recent years.  

The College will be supporting course providers to incorporate and embed the changes into the courses they offer over the coming years, as well as providing guidance for holders of legacy qualifications on resources to use to address the changes.  

“I am delighted to announce we are publishing updated curricula with revised content and outcomes for the three glaucoma higher qualifications. These are the product of a rigorous review process, working in collaboration with colleagues from across the profession. The new curricula reflect modern clinical practice and will ensure that optometrists are prepared to offer more services and manage more patients closer to home, delivering the aspirations of the NHS 10 Year Health Plan.” 

Andy Miller, Head of Learning, The College of Optometrists

Legacy glaucoma higher qualification holders 

Legacy qualification holders are likely to have continued to update and develop their knowledge and skills during practice and CPD activities, but the College is providing guidance for any who wish to reassure themselves, or their employers, that they are up to date. These resources have been specifically selected to help evidence equivalence of knowledge and experience for each level of the glaucoma higher qualifications. The College is contacting all legacy qualification holders with these resources, also available to download.

Your questions answered

If you are reading this page on the College app, please visit the College website for a mobile-friendly view of this page. 
Please see the FAQs below. If your question isn't answered in these, please contact Stephanie Hamilton at stephanie.hamilton@college-optometrists.org.

No. Your existing qualification remains valid, and the changes do not affect its status. You do not need to retake it or complete any additional training.

You do not need to do anything. Your qualification is valid and will remain so.

If you would like to, you can record your CPD and clinical experience in the topics added to the curriculum in the July 2026 revision. Use the Curriculum Update Record we sent you, which you can also download from this page. It will help you answer any questions about the currency of your qualification that may arise after we publish the 2026 curricula.

You may have already completed CPD or gained clinical experience in these topics. If so, you need only add the relevant dates and details to the record. You do not need to return it to the College or any other body.

Each level of qualification supersedes those achieved at a lower level, so we have contacted people about their highest level of achievement.

The main change to the content of the Professional Diploma in Glaucoma is the addition of clinical leadership. We expect that clinical activity at this level, together with annual appraisal and personal development conversations, will cover this topic well enough. You therefore do not need a record for this qualification.

Continue with your course as planned. When you have completed it, you can use the Curriculum Update Record on this page to document your CPD and clinical experience in the topics added to the curriculum.

It will take HEIs time to embed the new topics into the courses they run, so continue your course as planned. You may find that your course provider has already included some of the new content.

When you have completed the course, you can use the Curriculum Update Record on this page to document your CPD and clinical experience in the topics added to the curriculum.

The new learning outcomes are valid from July 2026. Each HEI will embed the new curricula in the way that best fits its own structures and processes. We ask only that HEIs show us how they will incorporate the changes before we next reaccredit their courses. Contact your HEI directly to find out when it expects to complete this work.

New learning outcomes

Professional Certificate in Glaucoma Learning Outcomes PDF
Higher Certificate in Glaucoma Learning Outcomes PDF
Professional Diploma in Glaucoma Learning Outcomes PDF

Curriculum update records

Professional Certificate in Glaucoma Curriculum Update Record
Higher Certificate in Glaucoma Curriculum Update Record

Find out more

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