Optometry

In a recently published Scottish Funding Council (SFC) blog, Professor Anita Simmers describes the steps Glasgow Caledonian University has taken to transform the provision of eye care in Scotland. 

Read the full article here: Transforming Eye Care in Scotland

Our upcoming video series takes you behind the scenes with optometrists who’ve embraced remote and rural practice across Scotland, sharing their experiences, lifestyle, and the unique rewards of these communities. If you're a practitioner looking for a new challenge or a student considering your next placement, this is your chance to see why remote and rural could be the perfect fit.

Stay tuned and be first to watch when the series launches in Spring 2026.

The refreshed Standards of Practice for optometrists and dispensing opticians, students, and optical businesses came into effect on 1 January 2025. They reflect emerging changes in the sector, including the increased use of digital technologies, along with the changing expectations of patients and the public.

For more information, watch the short animation and visit the GOC website.

The University of Highlands and Islands (UHI) undergraduate degree in optometry has gained full approval from the General Optical Council (GOC).

The BSc (Hons) Optometry qualification, which launched in 2019, has been approved under the Accreditation and Quality Assurance Handbook: Routes to Registration in Optometry (2015).

Read the full article here: Media - News - UHI optometry qualification earns full approval

Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) has launched the UK's first integrated master’s optometry degree with Independent Prescribing programme. 

The new MOptom (IP) programme is the culmination of years of collaboration and planning with NHS Education for Scotland (NES) and the Scottish Government and will enable students to register as IP optometrists at the point of successful completion of their five years of undergraduate training – the only UK nation in which this opportunity will be available. 

Read the full article here: GCU welcomes Scottish ministers for launch of new programme (aop.org.uk)

The General Optical Council (GOC) has noted that Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) will be the first to deliver an integrated optometry and independent prescribing qualification under the GOC’s new education and training requirements.

From September 2024, students will be able to earn a Master of Optometry with Independent prescribing.

Read the full article here: Glasgow Caledonian University approved to offer integrated optometry and independent prescribing qualification (aop.org.uk)

• Read about the reform to the undergraduate degrees in Scotland, enabling students to register as IP optometrists at the point of registration.
• Understand the history of IP in Scotland and the desired evolution of the role.

Read the full article here: Optometry education in Scotland and independent prescribing (aop.org.uk)