Policy Advisory Panel member

The College of Optometrists is seeking committed and passionate members to join the Policy Advisory Panel. This is a great opportunity to help shape the College policy and influencing activities across the UK.

Since October 2024, the panel has met six times and has already contributed to high-profile policy work, including the College’s interim position on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in eye care, and the UK Eye Care Data Hub, as well as shaping the College’s consultation responses on education and regulatory change in optometry.

We are aiming to ensure its membership reflect the diversity of the College's overall members as much as possible, as such, we are specifically looking for members from the following (non-mutually exclusive) backgrounds:

• Members who practice In Scotland and Wales – particularly as elections in Scotland and Wales are due to take place in 2026.
• Independent prescribers (IP) (particularly one practising in Scotland)

We particularly welcome applicants who are keen to contribute to national policy discussions that affect patients, professionals, and the wider eye care system across the UK.

Members joining the panel must commit to joining (at a minimum) 4 of the 6 meetings. All meetings take place on Thursday 6.00pm – 7.30pm.

 The dates for 2026 are as follows:

• Thursday 26 February
• Thursday 30 April
• Thursday June 18
• Thursday September 10
• Thursday November 12
• Thursday December 3

The Policy Advisory Panel will provide critical insights and expertise to inform the College’s policy and influencing activities. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the direction, content, and approach of key policy areas, particularly workforce issues and new models of care.

• Inform and shape the College’s policy positions and influencing activities across the UK
• Identify and raise significant policy issues impacting the profession
• Suggest new topics or issues the College should consider.

• Attend six virtual evening meetings annually (each lasting up to 90 minutes, with a commitment to attending at least four of the six meetings per year)
• Engage in discussions and provide timely feedback on policy-related activities
• Participate in email consultations between meetings as needed.

Please apply by Friday 27 February 2026 to join the Policy Advisory Panel, using the application form below.

Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are unable to inform those who are not shortlisted, or give feedback. If you have not heard from us within two weeks of the closing date, you should assume that your application has been unsuccessful.

No agencies or other recruitment services, please.

The College of Optometrists is the professional body for optometry. It qualifies the profession and delivers the guidance and development 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 healthcare professionals.

The College is committed to providing equal opportunities in employment and to avoiding unlawful discrimination. We value the differences that a diverse workforce brings to the organisation. In support of this we follow a fair recruitment process in which shortlisting and other recruitment decisions are made on the basis of skills, competencies and experience demonstrated in the application and interview process. 

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. If you require a reasonable adjustment to be made to support your application due to a disability or other condition please let us know.