Consultation launched on upcoming edition of Guidance for Professional Practice

The College of Optometrists has launched a six-week consultation on the next edition of its Guidance for Professional Practice, which will set the standards for optometric practice across the UK for the next three years.

A statement on the College of Optometrists website describes the most recent edition as “the most significant revision in its recent history.”

Three new sections, covering artificial intelligence and new technologies, the expanding scope of practice, and culture and governance, are proposed as part of the latest edition.

Proposed amendments cover key areas of practice including myopia management and professional titles, infection prevention and control, glaucoma referrals and the duty of candour.

Clinical adviser at The College of Optometrists, Denise Voon, highlighted that the Guidance for Professional Practice underpins safe, effective and high-quality eye care.

“Our proposed updates reflect the realities of the modern eye care landscape, including the rapid adoption of AI, expanding clinical roles and the need for workplace cultures that support professional judgement and patient-centred safe and effective care,” she said.

Submissions to the consultation can be made online until 3 August 2026.