How would you decide which higher qualification to take?

1 August 2025
Summer 2025

In each issue, Acuity poses a topical question to a panel of members.

Anjum Shafaq MCOptom

Clinical Director, Specsavers Guildford and Cranleigh

Choose a subject that genuinely sparks interest – it’s key to making the learning process enjoyable. When you’re passionate about a topic, it doesn’t feel like a chore, and that enthusiasm can really help build confidence. As you master one subject, it boosts your skills, but also allows you to support others in the workplace, creating a positive feedback loop. It’s amazing how that initial spark of interest can lead to bigger achievements, whether it’s helping colleagues or gaining further higher qualifications. It’s worth checking too what support your practice offers in terms of funding.

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 week, the Department of Health and Social Care published details of its confirmed NHS sight test fee and NHS domiciliary fees from 1 April 2025, continuing professional development payments for 2024, and clinical placement training payments from 1 April 2025.

From celebrating new graduates to launching our five-year plan, the final months of 2025 marked a powerful step toward the future of eye care.

The College of Optometrists and the Association of Optometrists say new research shows “current vision checks aren’t keeping pace with what’s needed to keep everyone safe on the road”