UK Optometrists - Is The Independent Prescribing (IP) Qualification Worth It?
It’s a question we’ve heard countless times in our profession. After seeing many
Blog Posts
UK Locum Optometrists: How To Tighten A Loose Volk Lens
Ever felt that sinking feeling when you pick up your trusty Volk lens and hear
90D vs. Digital Wide Field: Which Volk Lens Should You Reach For As A UK Optometrist?
It’s the debate heard in every staff room and CET event across the UK:
UK Optometrists & Locums: Stop Letting Inflation Erode Your Hard-Earned Savings
For many optometrists in the UK, the "safe" move has always been to
Sole Trader or Limited Company? The Financial Crossroads for UK Locum Optometrists
For a UK locum optometrist earning a standard rate of £300 per day, the decision
UK Locums: The £0 Fundoscopy Lens: How to Save Your Clinic (and Your Sanity)
We’ve all been there. You’re just about to perform fundoscopy, you click open
UK Locum Optoms: This Is The Most Overlooked Number On The Slip...
We’ve all been there: You’re halfway through a busy clinic, you glance at
The Retinoscopy Rack: The Missing Tool in the Modern UK Locum Optometry Practice
If you aren't using a retinoscopy rack, you are likely working harder than
The Best £10 a UK Locum Optometrist Will Ever Spend: Why a Mini Screwdriver Kit is a Game-Changer
You walk into a new practice, ready for a productive day, and the first thing
UK Locum Optometrists: Is Your Near Vision Card Secretly Slowing You Down?
While standard N-point or Times Roman cards have been our go-to for decades, they are
Newly Qualified UK Optometrist? Don’t Just Survive Your "Tie-In" Year—Master It.
You’ve done it. You’ve signed the contract, you’re officially a fully qualified
Navigating Your Career Path as a Newly Qualified UK Optometrist In 2026
Congratulations on qualifying. You have reached the starting line of a diverse and rewarding profession.
The Newly Qualified UK Optometrist Numbers You MUST Know in 2026
You’ve finally secured your GOC number. The hard part is over, but a new
Newly Qualified UK Optoms: Don’t Believe the Equipment Hype
Are we newly qualified and convinced we need to remortgage our houses for the latest
From Burnout to Breaking Point: Why 1 in 2 UK Optometrists Can No Longer Cope
When the General Optical Council (GOC) released its 2024 study, the industry was shaken. The
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this risky? +
We only allow approved, verifiable GOC-registered optometrists in the UK to join and contribute. There is no risk to your GOC status or practicing capacity simply by being part of this community. While you should always be mindful of your own professional actions, there is no industry backlash or inherent problem caused by joining.
Why is there no free trial? +
Trials often attract dabblers. This community is for optometrists who are serious about taking control of their careers and want actionable resources they can use immediately. To keep the quality of the group high, we require that initial commitment—but you can cancel anytime, no questions asked.
I’m a student or Pre-Reg—can I join? +
Yes! Joining now will set you up for the journey ahead. You can observe the transition to locum life and ask clinical questions within the community to prepare for your career.
Can I cancel at any time? +
100%. There are no contracts and no guilt. Stay as long as the community provides value to you. Most members find that once they are in, they wonder how they ever managed their locum career without it.
Why should I pay to join? +
There is truly nothing like this for UK optometry. We believe that an investment triggers an emotional commitment to take action. Furthermore, considering the average UK day rate is roughly £350/day, a single day of work pays for almost a full year of membership. You are investing in becoming a higher-calibre, more informed clinician.
Is this just another course? +
No. This is a high-tech digital hub built by a locum for prospective or current locum optometrists with a laser focus on getting results, not passive learning. You aren’t just buying information; you’re starting a real-world transformation aided by digital tools.
I’m already locuming—will this still help me? +
Unless you are already comfortably locuming in every major optical chain and small independent with total confidence, this community will provide value. We focus on perfecting the craft so you can secure higher pay, more free time, and better working conditions.
About The Optom Coach
Hi, I'm The Optom Coach. I have verifiably helped hundreds of optometrists in the UK transition into the world of locuming. Many of my students booked their very first shifts as new locums directly because of the guidance provided here.
I help optometrists to locum by focusing on three core pillars:
- The Transition: Teaching you exactly how to move from employment to full or part-time locum work at rates of £350+/day.
- Versatility: Helping current locums learn the systems and workflows of various companies and independents.
- Stability: Reducing stress and increasing income through open discussions on work-life balance and access to private, actionable tools.
My Journey
I started as an employed optometrist at a major optical chain. I saw the tightening clinic times, shorter lunches, and the heavy sales focus. I knew that if I stayed on that path, burnout was inevitable.
When I first heard a locum earned £350/day for the same work I was doing, it was a wake-up call. I took the leap, but I had to do it the hard way—no guides, no mentors, and no community. After years of locuming everywhere from 8-testroom hubs to tiny independents, I decided to become the teacher I never had.
I wouldn't go back to traditional employment. The freedom to choose your own days, the variety of seeing new equipment and faces, and the ability to earn up to £500/day brought my love for optometry back to life. I want you to have that same life-changing shift in your career.