Optometry Scotland is responsible for representing the views of the Optometry sector in Scotland
13/01/2026
PCA(O)2026(01) has now been issued and is available for members to access via the Members’ section of our website!
This includes important updates for community optometry regarding:
• The Full Implementation of the GOS Specialist Supplementary eye examination service on the 19th of January;
• Enhancements to optometry practice information on the NHS Inform website
GOS Specialist Supplementary (GOS SS) will be fully implemented across Scotland on the 19th of January 2026, this will help support enhanced local management and improved patient access to specialist eye care.
If you are not yet signed up, we urge you to register as soon as possible to ensure patients can benefit from this important community-based service and to strengthen local referral pathways.
Huge congratulations to Michael O’Kane, who has been named Alumni of the Year by Glasgow Caledonian University.
Michael is an award-winning optometrist and a Director of three Specsavers businesses in Edinburgh. This recognition is a fantastic achievement and a real credit to Michael’s commitment to patient care, leadership, and the profession.
Congratulations Michael, a well-deserved honour and a great example of excellence within our membership.
08/01/2026
As we kick off 2026, we look forward to a great year ahead!
If you have not checked our News section recently, now is a good time. We regularly share updates from across the sector, including important information on eOphthalmic downtime, key deadlines linked to services like GOS SS, and practical updates to support practices as changes roll out.
You will also find our latest updates, including coverage of OS activity, blogs and leadership!
Alongside our own updates, you can explore a range of external events on our website, including NES & ABDO events, The NeurEYE Project workshops, and Eyecare Glasgow 2026 which are all upcoming!
As we kick off 2026, we look forward to a great year ahead for learning and collaboration!
Alongside our own updates, you can explore a range of external events on our website, including NES & ABDO events, The NeurEYE Project workshops, and Eyecare Glasgow 2026.
GOS Specialist Supplementary (GOS SS) will be fully implemented across Scotland on the 19th of January 2026, this will help support enhanced local management and improved patient access to specialist eye care.
If you are not yet signed up, we encourage you to register now to ensure patients can benefit from this important community-based service and to strengthen local referral pathways.
As we welcome 2026, we would like to thank our members, Board, partners and stakeholders for your continued support over the past year.
2025 was an important year for community optometry in Scotland, and we enter the year ahead focused on delivery, collaboration and ensuring local, accessible eye care remains at the heart of Scotland’s health system 👁️
We look forward to working with you throughout 2026.
31/12/2025
As the year comes to a close, we wanted to reflect on an important year for Optometry Scotland and for community optometry across Scotland.
In 2025, we:
Published our OCT Report, strengthening the evidence base for advanced technology in primary care.
Launched our Manifesto, Community Optometry: A Sustainable Solution for Eye Care.
Continued to secure annual GOS fee uplifts for the profession.
Advanced national discussions on low vision services and workforce sustainability.
Expanded our engagement with MSPs, Ministers and key stakeholders.
Supported members through significant policy and operational change.
Thank you to our members, Board, partners and stakeholders for your continued support and collaboration. We look forward to building on this momentum together in 2026.
25/12/2025
Merry Christmas from everyone at Optometry Scotland. We would like to thank all our members and colleagues who continue to deliver essential eye care to communities across Scotland, today and throughout the year.
We hope you all have a peaceful day with family and friends. 🎄👀✨
24/12/2025
Final reminder!
1 week left for members who have not yet completed the 2025 GOS Mandatory Training module, Population Health: Community Optometry Making an Impact in Scotland.
Complete on TURAS, the new extended deadline must be completed by Wednesday 31 December 2025, in order to remain eligible to claim CPD allowance in 2026.
If you have not yet completed the training, we strongly encourage you to do so as soon as possible. Please also take a moment to remind colleagues who may have missed this, including those on maternity leave or long term leave.
Thank you for your support.
24/12/2025
Wishing all our members, colleagues and partners a very Merry Christmas Eve from everyone at Optometry Scotland.
Thank you for the dedication, care and commitment you show to patients and communities across Scotland throughout the year.
Olly Jolly the Elf passes on his festive wishes on his way back to the North Pole.
We look forward to continuing our work together in 2026 to strengthen community optometry and improve eye health for all. 🎄👀✨
23/12/2025
A Christmas message from Eilidh Thomson, Chair of Optometry Scotland, we thank our members for their continued dedication and wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year. 🎄✨
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Optometry Scotland posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
We are a not-for-profit organisation and the only representative of Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians to the Scottish Government
Mission Statement & Objectives
Our mission is to advance world class eye care in Scotland. We will achieve this aim by:
Establishing clear aims objectives to the industry
Placing good communications and membership at the centre of our strategic plan
Securing the correct funding to facilitate our objectives
Work with industry stakeholders and the media to raise awareness of the importance of optometry in the primary care sector.
History
Through extensive negotiations, meetings, lobbying and sheer will and determination, our previous Chairmen Frank Munro, Hal Rollason and Donald Cameron led the newly formed Optometry Scotland to the introduction of the new GOS eye examination in April 2006. The introduction of the new structure of fees and standards heralded new levels of professional eye care which have become the envy of the optometry world and other professional health bodies who have learned from our experience and are now lobbying for funds. Our thanks to these pioneers of modern optometry in Scotland.
Function
Optometry Scotland is the sole negotiator for terms and conditions for the optical sector with the Scottish Government. A key aim is to negotiate the best possible fee structure in support of Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians to allow them to continue to offer increasingly vital services within primary care.
