Professional Guidance Overview
This page brings together key information and resources to support practising optometrists and dispensing opticians in Scotland
Optometric Advisors & Area Optometric Committees
Optometric Advisors and Area Optometric Committees (AOCs) play an important role in supporting practitioners at a local level. They provide clinical guidance, represent the profession within Health Boards and help shape the delivery of NHS eye care services across Scotland.
Area Optometric Committees (AOC)
AOC Chair contacts for each Health Board can be found by logging into eyes.scot
Optometric Advisor (OA)
Optometric Advisors (OA) contacts for each Health Board can be found by logging into eyes.scot
Training & Development
This section outlines the key education and training pathways within optometry and dispensing optics, from undergraduate degrees to postgraduate qualifications and ongoing professional development. It includes information on courses, mandatory training and further qualifications that support practitioners throughout their careers.
Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) Courses
Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) offers a range of short and flexible courses through its college, designed to support people already working in practice or looking to build their skills. Find further information here. A list of available courses are below:
– Contact Lens Certificate
– Fellowship Dispensing Diploma
– Distance Learning Revision Courses
– Optical Assistant Course
– Senior Optical Assistant Course
– Trainee Tutor Programme
Master of Optometry with Independent Prescribing
Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) and University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) offer the MOptom (Master of Optometry) course, an integrated degree that includes the Independent Prescribing (IP) qualification. This means graduates are equipped with the clinical skills to assess, diagnose and manage a wide range of eye conditions within community practice.
More information is available on the GCU website here.
More information is available on the UHI website here.
Independent Prescribing for Optometrists
Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) Independent Prescribing for Optometrists (PgDip) is a Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) in Independent Prescribing for qualified optometrists who obtained the BSc (Hons) Optometry program.
This course allows optometrists to gain the skills and accreditation needed to join the General Optical Council specialist register as Independent Prescribers (IP).
The programme combines academic study with supervised clinical training and is typically completed part-time over around 18 months. More information is available on the university’s website here.
GOS Mandatory Training
Optometrists and ophthalmic medical practitioners working under GOS in Scotland are required to undertake annual mandatory training.
You will find all training as well as general support on the Turas Learn NES Optometry GOS Mandatory Training page.
NESGAT
NESGAT (NES Glaucoma Award Training) is a programme of accredited education and training in glaucoma management, delivered by NES Optometry.
Funded by the Scottish Government, this qualification allows independent Prescribing (IP) optometrists in Scotland to manage discharged patients in the community
For full information, please see the NESGAT Turas Learn page.
Resources & Systems
A number of key online resources support both training and practice. These include platforms for clinical guidance, training modules and service information, helping practitioners stay up to date and access important tools for delivering patient care.
Eyes.scot
eyes.scot is Scotland’s national website for eye care services and eye health information.
When logged into eyes.scot, in the ‘NHS Boards’ section you should find local information for each Health Board which complements the national-level information that can be found elsewhere in the ‘For Professionals’ section.
TURAS (GOS Mandatory Training)
Optometrists and ophthalmic medical practitioners working under GOS in Scotland are required to undertake annual mandatory training.
You will find all training as well as general support on the Turas Learn NES Optometry GOS Mandatory Training page
NHS Education for Scotland (NES)
NES is the national education and training body for NHS staff in Scotland. It supports the training and development of the healthcare workforce, including optometrists, through programmes, funding and resources that help deliver high-quality patient care.
NHS 24
NHS 24 provides trusted health information and digital services for people in Scotland. It offers a range of online resources, including a “Find an optician” tool, which helps patients locate local practices and see what services they provide, such as General Ophthalmic Services (GOS) and extended services like GOS Supplementary Services (GOS SS) and the Community Glaucoma Service (CGS).
Professional & Regulatory Bodies
A range of organisations support and oversee the optical professions in the UK. Professional and regulatory bodies ensure practitioners meet required standards, while professional and representative organisations provide guidance, training, and a voice for the sector. Together, they help maintain high-quality patient care and support the profession’s development.
Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO)
Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) is the professional body for dispensing opticians. It supports members through training, qualifications, guidance and ongoing professional development.
Association of Optometrists (AOP)
The Association of Optometrists (AOP) is a membership organisation that supports optometrists throughout their careers. It provides guidance, advice, professional indemnity insurance and resources to help practitioners in clinical practice.
The College of Optometrists (College)
The College of Optometrists (College) focus on professional development, education and clinical standards. It supports optometrists with training, qualifications and evidence-based guidance to maintain high standards of care.
The Association for Eye Care Providers (FODO)
The Association for Eye Care Providers (FODO) represents optical businesses across the UK, including large providers. It works on policy, regulation and sector-wide issues affecting the delivery of optical services.
General Optical Council (GOC)
The General Optical Council (GOC) is the regulator for optometrists and dispensing opticians in the UK. All practising professionals must be registered with the GOC to work legally, and it sets the standards for education, training and professional conduct.
Optometry Scotland (OS)
Optometry Scotland is the representative body for optometrists and dispensing opticians in Scotland. It works closely with the Scottish Government and other stakeholders on the development of NHS eye care services, including the General Ophthalmic Services (GOS) and a range of enhanced and extended services delivered in community practice.
Student membership is free, allowing those in training to stay informed and connected with the profession from an early stage.
Optometry Scotland GOS & Practice Resources
This section provides key resources developed by Optometry Scotland to support members in delivering NHS eye care services. These include practical tools and summaries designed to support day-to-day practice.
Primary Care Announcements (PCAs)
Primary Care Announcements (PCAs) are official communications issued by the Scottish Government to provide updates on NHS eye care services in Scotland, including changes to General Ophthalmic Services (GOS), fees, regulations and service delivery.
Optometry Scotland shares each PCA with members alongside a shortened summary to highlight the key points and what they mean for practice. These are available to access by logging in to the members’ hub.
GOS Fees Sheet
The GOS Fees Sheet provides a clear summary of current General Ophthalmic Services (GOS) fees and voucher values in Scotland, helping practices quickly reference payment information.
Optometry Scotland makes this available to members via the members’ hub. Printed copies can also be requested by contacting the office at office@optometryscotland.org.uk
Key Contacts
This section brings together important contacts and guidance to support professional practice in Scotland, including safeguarding requirements, Health Board contacts and key systems used within NHS eye care services.
PVG Guidance Scotland
Disclosure Scotland
Disclosure Scotland helps employers make safer decisions when they’re recruiting people.
Health Board Contacts for Registration
Contacts to register for all Health Boards can be found by logging into eyes.scot
NSS IT External Portal
Log in to the NSS IT External Portal make Requests and Report Incidents. An nhs.scot account is required.
Joining Practices in Scotland
This section outlines the process for optometrists looking to practise in Scotland, including those new to the profession or returning from elsewhere. It provides guidance on obtaining a Competency Certificate and joining a Health Board performers list.
Competency Certificate Guidance
The Competency Certificate confirms that a newly qualified optometrist meets the required standards to practise within NHS General Ophthalmic Services (GOS) in Scotland and is needed to join a Health Board to provide services.
Optometry Scotland provides guidance on how to complete this process step by step, available here.