The College is the professional body for optometrists

The College of Optometrists is the professional body for optometry. It qualifies the profession and delivers the guidance and training to ensure optometrists provide the best possible care. We promote excellence through the College’s affixes, by building the evidence base for optometry, and raising awareness of the profession with the public, commissioners, and health care professionals.

Professor Irene Ctori FCOptom, President

Watch a welcome message from Professor Irene Ctori FCOptom, President of The College of Optometrists, as she introduces herself, reflects on the opportunities ahead for optometry, and outlines our priorities.

In this section

What we do

The College of Optometrists is the professional membership body for optometrists.

A history of the College

A brief outline of how the College was formed and a list of Past Presidents.

Meet the team

Our senior management team is responsible for the development and delivery of our strategic objectives and oversees the day-to-day operation of the College.

Strategic plan: 2025-30

Our strategy sets out our priorities for the next five years and how we will achieve them.

Annual Report

The College is shaping the future of eye care across the UK by ensuring that optometrists are at the heart of it.

Governance and groups

The College is a registered charity incorporated by Royal Charter in 1995. We are governed by a Board of Trustees, elected by our College Council which is, in turn, elected by our members.

Reporting concerns

We want to ensure that if anyone has concerns about things that happen at the College, there is a safe, fair and effective procedure to enable these concerns to be raised.

Meeting room hire

Meeting room hire in central London near Trafalgar Square. Five refurbished rooms for meetings, training and events.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

We want everyone coming into contact with us, working for us, or being a member to be feel they are treated equally, with dignity and respect.