College of Optometrists

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College of Optometrists

The College is the professional body for optometry.

It qualifies the profession and delivers the guidance and training to ensure optometrists provide the best possible care.

It qualifies the profession and delivers the guidance and training to ensure optometrists provide the best possible care. We recognise excellence through the College’s affixes, by building the evidence base for optometry, and by raising awareness of the profession with the public, commissioners, and health care professionals. We are raising standards of optometric education and practice by providing the necessary evidence-base for optometry and related subjects through our delivery, commissioning and support for essential research in the field. We also work to raise the profile of optometry within the healthcare sector so that our members receive the recognition they deserve and are able to play a key role in new models of primary care. And, we encourage the UK public to look after their eyes, and make regular appointments with their local MCOptom or FCOptom, through our high profile member campaigns and promotional activity - www.lookafteryoureyes.org

28/09/2026

It’s been a busy few weeks for the College team!

We’ve been out and about meeting eye care professionals across the country, joining colleagues at Specsavers PAC26 in Birmingham, Leightons Opticians and Hearing Care OXYGEN 2026 in Farnborough and, most recently, The Hakim Group's SPA event in Nottingham.

Across the three events, we’ve been sharing updates on clinical practice, education, supervision, vision and driving, and the support available through College membership, as well as having some great conversations with members and the wider profession.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to speak with us, joined one of our sessions or shared their experiences with the team.

26/09/2026

Another great week on the road meeting optometry students across the UK.

This week, our has taken us to The University of Manchester, University of Huddersfield, University of Leicester and University of Plymouth.

We’ve really enjoyed meeting students, hearing their questions, and introducing them to the College and the support available during university and as they take their first steps into the profession.

A special thank you to our student reps Riley Ford and Mia Whitmore for helping us connect with fellow students.

Thank you to everyone who joined us this week, and to all the universities for welcoming us.

25/09/2026

Have your say on The General Optical Council’s (GOC) consultation on testing of sight and delegation.

The proposals raise important questions for the profession about the comprehensive sight test, the role and responsibility of the optometrist, patient safety, clinical governance and the future development of optical practice.

The College of Optometrists is preparing a formal response, and we need to hear from our members. Your feedback will help inform our response to the GOC.

Complete our anonymous survey by 2 October ➡️ https://coptom.uk/4d8i1rs

23/09/2026

👁️ Dry eyes are common, but there are things you can do to help manage them.

Around one in three of us experience dry eye, and factors including age, screen use, menopause, and contact lens wear can increase the risk.

If you’re experiencing dry eye symptoms, speak to your local optical practice for eye care advice and information about managing and treating it.

Find out more about dry eye here ➡️ https://coptom.uk/3V3xG5a

21/09/2026

👁️ This , we’re reminding everyone that regular eye tests are an important part of looking after your health.

Even if you think your eyes are fine, an eye test can do more than check your vision; it can also help detect signs of eye conditions and other health problems.

When was your last eye test?

Find out more about looking after your eyes ➡️ https://coptom.uk/4jfs5m8

20/09/2026

Wishing a meaningful Yom Kippur to all who observe.
May your day be filled with peace, reflection, and time with family and loved ones.

19/09/2026

Visual development remains plastic from birth to around eight years of age, making early detection and intervention essential.

That's just one of the reminders featured in our latest infographic, exploring key points to remember when carrying out paediatric vision assessments.

Items include identifying priority conditions and choosing age-appropriate approaches, acuity assessment, refractive development, prescribing and referrals.

Take a closer look at our infographic today ➡️ https://coptom.uk/4yK3lqP

18/09/2026

It’s been a busy week meeting the next generation of optometrists as our gets underway.

This week, we’ve visited University of Glasgow, University of Lancashire, Anglia Ruskin University, Aston University and UWE Bristol, as well as joining students at UHI virtually.

It’s been great meeting students, answering their questions, and sharing more about the College and the support available throughout their studies and future careers.

A special thank you to our student reps Elliot Green and Veliny Mahinthan, and Council member Ambreen Hussain for getting involved and helping us connect with fellow students.

Thank you to everyone who came along and spoke to us. More stops to come next week!

16/09/2026

Ever had a clinical case where you’re not quite sure what to do next?

If you’re a College member, you’re not on your own.

Our Clinical Advice Service gives you access to trusted, impartial advice from experienced professional colleagues, helping you navigate challenging clinical, professional, and ethical queries with access to the latest guidance and legislation.

It’s another great benefit from your membership package, which can support you with difficult situations. From concerns about a patient who won’t stop driving, to questions about when to dilate, our Clinical Advisers Daniel Hardiman-McCartney MBE FCOptom, Denise Voon MCOptom and Dr Paramdeep Bilkhu MCOptom, are here to help.

Find out more about the service ➡️ https://coptom.uk/4yjimPW

14/09/2026

What a day at the and Heritage Open Days! 🎉

Yesterday, we opened our doors and welcomed over 370 visitors to The College of Optometrists to explore our historic building and the . 👓

It was great to see so many people come along and discover more about the history of optometry and eyewear.
A highlight was seeing visitors engage with Gary Kousoulou’s exhibition, which brought together eye charts from different languages, cultures, and moments in optometry’s history.

A huge thank you to everyone who visited, our volunteers, and our museum curator Dr Neil Handley, who all helped make the day such a success. 🙌

Find out more and book your visit ➡️ https://coptom.uk/4h6YV6g

Address

42 Craven Street
London
WC2N5NG

Website

http://www.college-optometrists.org/

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