Applying evidence in practice

19 August 2022
Summer 2022

There are plenty of evidence-based resources to draw on, writes Dr Paramdeep Bilkhu MCOptom, Clinical Adviser for the College.

The College’s Clinical Management Guidelines (CMGs) have long been established as a key resource to inform clinical practice for all optometrists – particularly independent prescribing (IP) optometrists early in their careers – and as evidence-based guides to help make prescribing and referral decisions. Over time, with increasing experience and competence, IP optometrists generally become less reliant on the CMGs as their scope of practice widens and the complexity of the case mix increases. However, this obviously leads to the question of what other resources an IP optometrist should turn to for relevant evidence to support their practice and provide the best care for their patients.

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

The College of Optometrists has announced its programme of financial support for undergraduate students, postgraduate students and members engaging in research projects in the 2025-2026 academic year is open for applications.

The College of Optometrists has announced a new undergraduate research grant, the Angela Bishop Undergraduate Research Scholarships for Paediatric Optometry and Binocular Vision.

Our Clinical Adviser comments on the BBC story about gene therapy to treat inherited retinal dystrophies.