The College Of Optometrists
THE COLLEGE IS THE PROFESSIONAL, SCIENTIFIC AND RESEARCH BODY FOR OPTOMETRY IN THE UK, PROMOTING OPTOMETRY TO KEY UK STAKEHOLDERS AND LOBBYING LEGISLATORS.WE FUND UNIVERSITY-BASED RESEARCH; DEVELOP GUIDANCE FOR PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT;PUBLISH A LEARNED JOURNAL; ARE THE SOLE UK REGULATOR APPROVED BODY TO ASSESS FITNESS TO PRACTICE IN THE UK;HOUSE AN OPTICAL MUSEUM AND OPTICAL REFERENCE LIBRARY.
Activities & Mission
THE COLLEGE IS THE PROFESSIONAL, SCIENTIFIC AND RESEARCH BODY FOR OPTOMETRY IN THE UK, PROMOTING OPTOMETRY TO KEY UK STAKEHOLDERS AND LOBBYING LEGISLATORS.WE FUND UNIVERSITY-BASED RESEARCH; DEVELOP GUIDANCE FOR PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT;PUBLISH A LEARNED JOURNAL; ARE THE SOLE UK REGULATOR APPROVED BODY TO ASSESS FITNESS TO PRACTICE IN THE UK;HOUSE AN OPTICAL MUSEUM AND OPTICAL REFERENCE LIBRARY.
Areas of Operation
Where this charity is registered to operate, as self-declared to the Charity Commission. These are regulatory classifications, not a list of active programmes, and don't necessarily indicate fundraising activity in each location.
Region
Financial Information
Financial Efficiency
Higher than 59% of UK Education charities with income over £10M (sample: 661). How is this calculated?
Higher than 79% of UK Education charities with income over £10M. How is this calculated?
Lower overhead than 36% of UK Education charities with income over £10M. (Lower overhead is generally read as more efficient.) How is this calculated?
Latest Financial Breakdown
Income Sources
Expenditure Categories
Financial Trend
Annual Returns
As filed with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Most recent filing covers the financial year ending 2024.
| Financial Year | Income | Expenditure | Charitable Spending | Net Assets | Reserves | Staff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | £10,898,949 | £10,380,501 | £10,348,038 | £7,591,362 | £5,520,000 | 67 / 2 |
| 2023 | £8,927,907 | £9,547,626 | £9,504,850 | £7,072,914 | £7,072,914 | 61 / 1 |
| 2022 | £8,831,300 | £9,090,337 | £9,045,188 | £7,432,242 | £2,949,868 | 52 / 1 |
| 2021 | £8,209,491 | £6,998,255 | £6,961,359 | £8,195,497 | £2,949,868 | 52 / 210 |
| 2020 | £5,602,875 | £6,507,565 | £6,477,760 | £7,467,902 | £4,269,256 | 51 / 35 |
Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers
Frequently asked questions about The College Of Optometrists
What does The College Of Optometrists do?
THE COLLEGE IS THE PROFESSIONAL, SCIENTIFIC AND RESEARCH BODY FOR OPTOMETRY IN THE UK, PROMOTING OPTOMETRY TO KEY UK STAKEHOLDERS AND LOBBYING LEGISLATORS.WE FUND UNIVERSITY-BASED RESEARCH; DEVELOP GUIDANCE FOR PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT;PUBLISH A LEARNED JOURNAL; ARE THE SOLE UK REGULATOR APPROVED BODY TO ASSESS FITNESS TO PRACTICE IN THE UK;HOUSE AN OPTICAL MUSEUM AND OPTICAL REFERENCE LIBRARY.
How much income did The College Of Optometrists report in 2024?
The College Of Optometrists reported total income of £10.90m and reported expenditure of £10.38m for the financial year ending 2024, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.
How efficient is The College Of Optometrists?
The College Of Optometrists has a program ratio of 94.9%, meaning that share of its income goes directly to charitable activities. This is higher than 59% of UK Education charities with income over £10M (sample of 661 charities). See our methodology for how this is calculated.
When was The College Of Optometrists registered as a charity?
The College Of Optometrists was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 29 January 1997 as charity number 1060431. It has been registered for 29 years.
Who runs The College Of Optometrists?
The College Of Optometrists is governed by a board of 13 trustees. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.
Where does The College Of Optometrists operate?
The College Of Optometrists operates in England And Wales, as recorded in its Charity Commission filing.
Is The College Of Optometrists a registered charity?
Yes — The College Of Optometrists is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 1060431.
Details
41-42 CRAVEN STREET
LONDON
WC2N 5NG
Registry Information
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Major UK charities in the same primary sector, drawn from the curated priority cohort.
Trustees
Data & trust
- Register data refreshed
- 14 May 2026
- Methodology
- How metrics are calculated