Can optometrists step up with sight impairment certification?

14 November 2022
Autumn 2022

Adrian O’Dowd examines whether it is time for a change that will enable optometrists to certify patients as visually impaired.

As optometrists develop their skills, and the equipment they use in their places of work improves, what new roles could they take on? One question is whether optometrists should be allowed to certify people as sight impaired (SI) and severely sight impaired (SSI), something only carried out by consultant ophthalmologists.

It is estimated that more than two million people in the UK are living with sight loss. Of these, around 340,000 people are registered as SI or SSI (NHS, 2022). It is thought that more than 24,000 people are certified as SI or SSI a year in England and Wales (RNIB, 2018).

Sign in to continue

Forgotten password?
Register

Not already a member of The College?

Start enjoying the benefits of College membership today. Take a look at what the College can offer you and view our membership categories and rates.

Related further reading

This year's National Eye Health Week will take place from 18 to 24 September 2023, promoting the importance of good eye health and the need for regular sight tests for all.

Abstracts from the online Women in Vision UK Annual Meeting 2022 are presented.

The Cochrane systematic review consisted of 17 randomised controlled trials that recruited 619 people.