We are seeking a student to join our Council and play an active role in shaping the future of the College and the optometric profession.
This is a unique opportunity to develop your leadership skills, gain insight into local and national issues affecting optometry, and contribute to important discussions that influence the profession. Along the way you’ll broaden your clinical understanding, build valuable transferable skills and develop experience that will benefit you throughout your studies and future career.
Could this be you?
We’re looking for an ambitious and enthusiastic optometry student who wants to make a real difference.
If you are a level 6 student at a UK university, either in the final year of a Bachelor of Science in Optometry degree programme, or in the penultimate year of an integrated Master of Optometry programme, we’d love to hear from you.
You’ll be someone who shares the College’s purpose of advancing optometry, is keen to get involved beyond the classroom and enjoys working with and learning from others, a willingness to learn, and the confidence to share your ideas and experiences. We want someone who is ready to contribute to discussions that will help shape the future of the profession.
What will the role entail?
As one of three Early Career Representatives on our Council, you’ll serve a three-year term sharing the perspectives of students, trainee optometrists, and newly qualified professionals as you progress through the early stages of your career.
Your insight will be particularly valuable as we transition to new qualification requirements for optometrists. By bringing your experiences and views to Council discussions, you’ll help ensure that the voices of those entering the profession are heard and reflected in the College’s work.
The role is voluntary, but we reimburse reasonable travel, accommodation, subsistence, and childcare expenses.
Council members attend two all-day meetings each year (normally one in the Spring and one in November), with one meeting held virtually and the other in London. You’ll also have opportunities to attend a range of College events and engage with members from across the profession.
Time commitment
Activity
When
Where
Time commitment
Full day Council meeting
Spring
Virtual meeting
1 day
Full day Council meeting
November
London
1½ days (evening dinner and full day meeting) following Diploma Ceremony
Minimum commitment
2½ days + ½ day preparation
Optional Activity
When
Where
Time commitment
Regional events and student roadshows (in your region)
Varies
Varies
½ day (evenings)
Optometry Tomorrow
Summer
Varies
2 days
Diploma Ceremony
November
London
1 day
Apply or find out more
Find out what the role involves, the experience you'll gain and what we're looking for by reading the Role Description here before applying.
Please complete the form below before Friday 28 August 2026.
Interviews will take place on the afternoon of Monday 7 September 2026. Alternative interview dates will not be available. If you’re shortlisted, you’ll receive confirmation of your interview time on Friday 4 September.
Please be aware that the page will refresh after 30 minutes. If you will potentially take longer than 30 minutes to complete the form we advise you to save your answers in a Word document to avoid losing your progress.
Contact details
Name
Barbra Wilson
Closing date for application
28 August 2026
If you would like to know more prior to applying, please contact Barbra Wilson, Governance Manager at Barbra.Wilson@college-optometrists.org.