College of Optometrists
The College of Optometrists is the professional, scientific and examining body for optometry in the United Kingdom, working for the public benefit. Their headquarters is at 41-42 Craven Street, London WC2, of which no 41 is a Grade II listed building.
History
After the establishment of the British Optical Association in 1895, several more professional bodies were formed for the development of British optometry, with at least six separate qualifying associations existing in the period prior to the passing of the Opticians Act. By that year only four were authorised to conduct examinations and award professional qualifications statutorily approved by the General Optical Council. In 1962 the Institute of Optical Science merged with the BOA, leaving only three approved professional bodies. The creation of a single new professional body in the form of a royal college for optometrists was suggested in 1972 in a letter published by Rishi Agarwal.The college was established in 1980 by three separate bodies, the former British Optical Association founded in 1895 and the Scottish Association of Opticians tracing its history to 1922 and the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers which had run qualifying exams since 1898 but surrendered its examining function to the new college. In 1980 the title British College of Ophthalmic Opticians was adopted. In 1987 the title was changed to British College of Optometrists and in 1995 the title College of Optometrists was adopted.