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Public consultation on College of Optometrists’ Guidance for Professional Practice

  • Area of Work: Scottish Sensory Hub
  • Type: News Item
  • Published: 25th June 2026
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Complete this consultation if you access optometry services, support people to access eye care services, or are an eye care professional.

The College of Optometrists has launched a public consultation on the next edition of its Guidance for Professional Practice. This consultation will be open until Monday 3 August 2026.

The consultation gives College members, eye care professionals, people who access optometry services, and the public, the opportunity to help shape the Guidance that will set the standards for optometric practice across the UK for the next three years.

The Guidance for Professional Practice is the cornerstone of safe, effective and high-quality eye care for over 21 million patients across the UK every year. The 2026 edition is the most significant revision in its recent history, introducing three new sections and over 75 amendments to the existing Guidance for optometrists, ensuring it remains evidence-based, relevant and responsive to the changing needs of patients and practitioners.

Proposed updates

Proposed amendments to the existing Guidance cover key areas of practice, including: 

  • Myopia management and professional titles
  • A new public protection position prohibiting misleading dyslexia-related advertising claims
  • An updated infection prevention and control section in alignment with Royal College of Ophthalmologists’ recommendations for disinfection of reusable instruments and fitting lenses
  • Updated glaucoma referral and community pathway guidance
  • A new professional duty of candour applying to all registrants.

For more information and to complete the consultation, visit the College of Optometrists’ webpage here.

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