UK optometry education is being rebuilt. The traditional 3-year BSc plus a 1-year pre-registration year (the College of Optometrists’ Scheme for Registration) is being replaced by a 4-year integrated MOptom master’s with clinical placements embedded (Clinical Learning in Practice), under the GOC’s new Education & Training Requirements (ETR). The first ETR cohorts are expected to graduate around 2027, so both models coexist during the transition. Continuing development moved from the old CET points to a new CPD scheme in 2022.
Sources & verification
- The UK optometrist qualification is moving from a 3-year BSc plus pre-registration to a 4-year integrated MOptom under the GOC's ETR, with first cohorts around 2027 — source, verified 2026-06-12 🔶
Verified reference information — not professional, medical, legal or careers advice. Regulations change; always check the cited primary source before relying on it.