The Future of Optometry: Embracing Change in the 2026–2030 Five-Year Strategy

Chloe Webb

Jul 21

3 min read

Updated: 4 days ago

The Association of Optometrists recently published its 2026–2030 Five-Year Strategy. This document captures much of the ongoing conversation within the profession. It highlights the need for more clinical responsibility, care delivered closer to home, better use of technology, and a larger role for optometrists in the healthcare system.

This is an exciting direction. However, strategies focus on where a profession wants to go. They don't tell you if your current job is helping you get there. But we can...

Jump to:

Take an audit of your workplace
Expectations are shifting within the profession
What we hear from optometrists every day
Technology's and AI's role in the future
The opportunity of community optometry
So what does that all mean for you?

Is Your Workplace Keeping Up?

One of the biggest themes in the strategy is helping optometrists spend more time using their skills. This means more clinical responsibility, opportunities for development, and greater recognition as part of frontline healthcare.

But this only becomes real if your practice provides the time, support, and opportunities to work effectively.

I speak to optometrists every day who feel capable of more than they can currently do. This doesn’t mean they work for a bad employer. Often, it’s just the reality of busy clinics, short appointment times, or a lack of opportunities for clinical development.

Some practices are already embracing a wider clinical role. Others are still trying to find the capacity.

"The most common eye conditions are estimated to increase by 25% between now and 2032. It is time to ensure the true potential of optometry is realised."

— AOP Strategy 2026–2030

The Profession is Changing (and So Are Expectations)

The strategy doesn't shy away from the challenges we face. Independent practices continue to feel pressure. Consolidation is reshaping the market. More optometrists are working as locums or in flexible roles. Sometimes this is by choice, but often it’s the only option available.

At the same time, newer generations of optometrists are looking for different things from their careers. Work-life balance matters. Flexibility matters. Career development matters.

Practices that adapt to these expectations are likely to attract and retain good talent.

What Optometrists Are Saying

Rob Mould, Founder and MD of Talentshed, shares that these conversations haven't changed much over the years.

"I've worked in optics recruitment for more than 15 years, so not much surprises me anymore."

The AOP's strategy discusses the future of the profession, and I believe it's heading in the right direction. However, the conversations we have with optometrists daily are usually about the present.

Key drivers in these discussions include the desire for better pay, more time with patients, schedule flexibility, and opportunities for clinical development.

None of this seems unreasonable. These are expectations most people should have from a good employer. The challenge arises when someone has worked in the same environment for years. It’s easy to assume that’s just how the job is.

Technology Will Play a Bigger Part

AI is everywhere right now, so it’s no surprise to see it featured in the strategy. The College of Optometrists is updating its professional practice guidance to include a dedicated section on AI and emerging technologies for the first time. This doesn’t mean robots will replace optometrists anytime soon. Instead, it suggests that practices investing in technology that genuinely supports clinicians and improves patient care will likely lead the way.

When considering a job move, it’s reasonable to ask any prospective employer:

"How are you investing in technology over the next few years?"

This question can greatly impact your day-to-day experience.

The Shift from Hospital to Community Creates Real Opportunity

One of the strategy's clearest ambitions is to accelerate the move of eye care from overstretched hospital services into community settings. With hospital eye services under increasing pressure, this isn't just a long-term policy goal; it’s happening now.

For optometrists, this means the scope of community practice is genuinely expanding. This includes services like glaucoma monitoring, urgent care pathways, and more complex referral management. These services are becoming integral to community optometry in ways they weren't five years ago.

If you’re considering a job change, it's worth investigating which practices are investing in these services. They are often the places where roles are continuing to grow.