In recent years, optometrists across the UK have been increasingly involved in providing eye care over and above routine eye examinations in many settings, including primary and secondary care. While this has been driven by the need to manage the increasing demand and pressures on NHS services (exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic), it also reflects the willingness and desire of optometrists to demonstrate to their patients their role as clinicians first and foremost – and that they are more than capable of managing more complex patient needs.