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
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 2025.
| Financial Year | Income | Expenditure | Charitable Spending | Net Assets | Reserves | Staff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | £10,690,250 | £10,696,195 | £10,658,364 | £7,585,417 | £7,578,491 | 70 / 2 |
| 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 |
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 2025?
The College Of Optometrists reported total income of £10.69m and reported expenditure of £10.70m for the financial year ending 2025, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.
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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- 30 July 2026
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