You are eligible for the Diploma Ceremony as a Higher Qualification recipient if you meet the below criteria:
You are a current College member at the time of the Diploma Ceremony, and
The College has received notification from a course provider that you have passed one or more of the below since 1 September 2024 and before 31 August 2025:
OSCE
Independent Prescribing final assessment
Diploma in Contact Lens Practice
Diploma in Glaucoma
Professional Higher Certificate in Contact Lens Practice
Professional Higher Certificate in Glaucoma
Professional Higher Certificate in Low vision
Professional Higher Certificate in Medical Retina
Professional Higher Certificate in Paediatric Eye Care
Invitations are sent over the summer and will be completed by end of August 2025. If you have not received your invitation email by the beginning of September 2025 then please contact our events team at events@college-optometrists.org.
If you passed your qualification between September 2024 and now, you will receive your invitation by September 2025. If you have passed your qualification earlier than that or have not received the invitation by beginning of September 2025, please contact our events team at events@college-optometrists.org.
The booking form allows you to add these details when you provide your guest information. You can also contact our events team at events@college-optometrists.org with details of your guest requirements.
You will be eligible to bring two guests at £20 per guest ticket and an additional guest at £50 per ticket. There will also be the chance to request more guest tickets and we will confirm in due course if we can fulfil the request.
We strongly recommend that you do not bring children less than twelve years of age to the Ceremony. As well as the possible disruption small children can cause at a formal event, it can be a long and arduous occasion for young children. If you have exceptional circumstances and need to bring a small child, please contact the College at events@college-optometrists.org.
Photographers will be available at Central Hall to take formal portraits of diplomates and their families, the studios will be well sign posted. Diplomates are advised to pre-order their photographs, but you will still be able to order photos on the day. You can pre-order photography packages during the booking process.
Due to the large number of members completing Professional Certificates, we are only able to invite those who have achieved Professional Higher Certificates and Diplomas to the Ceremony, as we have a limited capacity.
Please find the schedule for the Diploma Ceremony here. You will also receive these in the final email, closer to the date. Please read the information carefully and contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
All guests and diplomates will be seated in the hall at the start of the Ceremony. After the Council procession has entered, the College President will address the assembly.
Awards are given out according to the schedule for the day. Diplomates are directed by marshals to leave their seats and queue along the far right wall - they will be seated and queued in alphabetical order.
Each diplomate will ascend a short flight of steps to the platform as the Chief Executive calls their name. Diplomates will then be greeted by the President by a nod of the head and have their photograph taken with him before descending the steps at the opposite side of the platform where they will be directed to go back to their seat for the remainder of the Ceremony. Quite a long walk, with some standing is involved in the procession. Diplomates with special needs or mobility problems should contact the College by email on events@college-optometrists.org.
You will need to order your gown during the booking process, which will be ready for collection after you have registered when you arrive. Clothes worn underneath your gown should be suitable for the occasion. Smart but comfortable shoes are important.
Central Hall Westminster Storey’s Gate London SW1H 9NH
You can get there by London Underground, Rail services and London bus services. If driving, please be aware that the venue is within the London Congestion Charge Zone and that ULEZ and LEZ operate 24 hours a day every day. Public car parks nearby are located in Abingdon Street, Horseferry Road, Rochester Row, Semley Place, Tothill Street and Matthew Parker Street. There are also electric vehicle charging point nearby. Please visit the Central Hall Westminster page for more details.
The Ceremony will last between one and a half and two hours and is followed by a reception, during which there is the opportunity to meet senior representatives from the profession and the College. Guests can enjoy soft drinks or a glass of wine at the reception.
You MUST ensure that you arrive at Central Hall 45 minutes before the ceremony commences. Anyone arriving later than the specified time will not be permitted into the ceremonial hall.