Early Career Council Representative
Contact details
- Name
- Barbra Wilson
- Closing date for application
- 26 September 2025
We are seeking a student member to join our Council and contribute to shaping the future of the College and the optometric profession. This opportunity will support your career development and understanding of local and national optometric issues, and help build your knowledge, clinical insights and transferable skills which you can use in your studies.
An ambitious and passionate optometry student who wants to make a real impact on the future of the profession. If you are a level 6 student at a UK university, either in the final year of a Bachelor of Science in Optometry degree programme, or in the penultimate year of an integrated Master of Optometry programme, this is your opportunity to step forward. You’ll be someone who not only understands our purpose but shares in it, driven to advance the profession, eager to connect with others, and actively get involved in optometric life beyond the classroom. With a curious mind, a willingness to learn, and the confidence to share your ideas, you’ll help shape the conversations and changes that matter most.
As one of three Early Career Representatives on our Council, your three-year term will allow you to share insights and first-hand experiences as a student, pre-registration optometrist, and newly qualified professional. Your input will be crucial as we transition to new qualification requirements for optometrists. The position is voluntary, but we cover reasonable expenses for travel, accommodation, subsistence, and childcare.
Council members participate in two all-day meetings annually (normally one in March and one in November), with one meeting held virtually and the other in London. Additionally, you will have the option to attend various College events.
Activity | When | Where | Time commitment |
| Full day Council meeting | March | Virtual meeting | 1 day |
| Full day Council meeting | November | Normally in London (may become a virtual meeting) | Normally 1½ days (evening dinner and full-day meeting) following Diploma Ceremony. |
| Minimum commitment | 2½ days + ½ day preparation |
Optional activity | When | Where | Time commitment |
| Regional events (in your region) | Varies | Varies | 2 x ½ days (evenings) |
| Diploma Ceremony | November 2025 | London | 1 day |
It’s important to note that no alternative dates are available. We’re excited to meet committed applicants, so please ensure you are free on this date before applying. If successful, you will hear from us on the afternoon of Wednesday 1 October with your interview time.
Please complete the form below before Friday 26 September 2025.
Please be aware that the page will refresh after 30 minutes. If you will potentially take longer than 30 minutes to complete the form we advise you to save your answers in a Word document to avoid losing your progress.
If you would like to know more prior to applying, please contact Barbra Wilson, Governance Manager at Barbra.Wilson@college-optometrists.org.