The College Of Optometrists

Welcome to our organisation, the leading professional body for optometry in the country. We are dedicated to advancing the field of optometry, supporting optometrists in their professional development, and promoting excellent eye health to the public. Our mission is to champion optometrists and the critical role they play in eye care by developing their knowledge and skills, defining good optometric practice, supporting optical research and innovation, and educating and informing the public on eye health.

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Our organisation offers a wide range of services to support our members and the wider optometry community. We provide clinical guidance and management guidelines that enable optometrists to make evidence-based clinical decisions on the diagnosis and treatment of various eye conditions. Our guidelines are regularly reviewed and updated to ensure that they reflect the latest research and best practice.

We offer a clinical advice service that provides expert advice and guidance on complex clinical cases. Our team of experienced optometrists and ophthalmologists can help practitioners make informed decisions and ensure that their patients receive the best possible care.

Our Optometrists' Formulary is a comprehensive reference guide that provides up-to-date information on the use of medicines in optometry. We also offer clinical files and supplementary guidance to support optometrists in their practice.

Professional Development

We are committed to supporting the professional development of optometrists at all stages of their careers. Our CPD hub provides a range of resources to help practitioners keep up-to-date with the latest research and best practice. Our online learning platform offers a range of courses and modules that can be completed at your own pace, and we also provide peer discussion and peer review services to support your learning.

We offer further qualifications for optometrists who wish to specialise in a particular area of practice. Our Independent Prescribing (IP) qualification enables optometrists to prescribe medicines for the treatment of eye conditions, and our higher qualifications provide opportunities for advanced study and research.

We publish two academic journals, Acuity Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics (OPO) and Optometry in Practice, which provide a forum for the publication and dissemination of research and best practice.

Career Pathways in Optometry

We provide advice and guidance on career pathways in optometry, from pre-registration training to specialist practice. We work with employers, educators, and policymakers to ensure that the optometry workforce is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required to deliver high-quality eye care.

We offer a range of membership categories and fees to suit the needs of our members. We also provide a range of member benefits, including access to our library and information services, tax reclaim services, and locum resources.

Fellowship by Portfolio

Our Fellowship by Portfolio scheme recognises optometrists who have made a significant contribution to the profession through their expertise, achievements, and leadership. Fellowship is a mark of distinction and recognition, and it demonstrates a commitment to advancing the field of optometry.

Join Us Today

We invite you to join our organisation today and become part of a community of optometrists who are dedicated to advancing the field of optometry and promoting excellent eye health. We offer a range of membership categories and fees to suit the needs of our members, and we provide a full range of member benefits.