What Do I Need to Be a Locum Optometrist in the UK? (2025) - The Optom Coach

Thinking of becoming a locum optometrist in the UK? From professional registration to practical essentials, this guide covers everything you need to know. Plus, learn how The Optom Coach supports optometrists in making a smooth switch from employed roles to locum work.

This article will answer the question: What do I need to be a locum optometrist in the UK?

1. Be a Fully Qualified & Registered Optometrist

• Degree & Pre-Reg Training: Complete a Bachelors of Science (Pre 2024) or integrated Master’s in Optometry (2024 onwards). Approximately 4-5 years.
• Pass the Scheme for Registration: Navigate Stage One, Stage Two, and the OSCE within the 2-year-and-3-month timeframe (often completed in ~15 months)
• GOC Registration: Once qualified and assessed, you must register with the General Optical Council (GOC) to practice legally in the UK

2. For International Optometrists

• Must hold three years of post-baccalaureate optometry training equivalent to UK level, have practised ≥1 year post-qualification, be registered with a regulator, and achieve IELTS ≥ 7 overall (minimum Speaking = 7, others ≥ 6). Often, they prefer you to have a Masters In Optometry before enrolling on the scheme.
• To enrol on the UK Scheme for Registration, if you need a visa, the College of Optometrists issues Certificates of Sponsorship under the Temporary Worker GAE scheme (from £810 + VAT after 1 July 2025)

3. Essential Documentation & Compliance

When applying to locum platforms or agencies (e.g., Optowork, TeamLocum, Locate a Locum):

• GOC registration number and, if applicable, an OPL number.
• Proof of University qualification.
• Enhanced DBS certificate, and update service registration
• Up To Date CV
• Professional indemnity insurance.
• HMRC Self-employment registration confirmation or Companies House Number (LTD only)
• 2 Professional references.
• Right to work documentation: passport, National Insurance number, and, if applicable, visa details.
• Possibly additional certificates (e.g., CUES, WGOS) depending on the role

4. Find Work via Agencies and Platforms

• Register to work on: Optowork, Eyeconnect, Team Locum & LocumBell. They are all prominent digital locum agencies which allow you to seamless book locum optometry shifts in the UK with major employers like Specsavers, Boots, Vision Express, Asda & independent opticians.

5. Insurance, Contracts, and Self-Employment Basics

• Professional Indemnity Insurance: A must to protect against clinical claims.
• Tax & Accounting: As a self-employed contractor, you’re responsible for self-assessment tax returns and National Insurance. Hire an accountant for compliance and efficiency.
• Contracts & Pay Negotiation: You negotiate your own rates, working hours, and terms—no standard benefits like sick or holiday pay apply.

6. Income Expectations in 2025

• The average salary of a locum optometrist in the UK is £75,000+ working 5 days a week. This is due to the average day's work earning them £350.
• There is huge regional variation in shift pay, frequency and variety of work. Jumping into locum optometry within the UK with careful consideration and research of this will lead to potentially poor financial gain.
• At www.theoptomcoach.com we are dedicated to helping locum optometrists with specialised products, tools and resources to mitigate common problems which no other company has yet tackled.

7. Benefits & Challenges of Locuming

Pros:

• Flexibility in schedule and work locations.
• Exposure to diverse clinical environments, enhancing your CV and skills.
• Higher pay than employed roles; freedom to control workload and earnings

Cons:

• No employment benefits or job security.
• Constant availability can lead to burnout—locums often juggle multiple platforms and late notifications
• Requires strong organisational skills and adaptability—each practice may have different protocols and systems

The direct, free resource to help you smoothly transition from employed to locum optometrist in the UK.

The Optom Coach has created a free for all resource which breaks down this exact topic in a process, freely download it on his website under the name "Start Locuming: The Essential Setup Guide".

Conclusion

Locum optometry in the UK offers optometrists the chance to earn more, work flexibly, and gain valuable experience across a wide variety of practices. To succeed, you need the right foundations—GOC registration, essential documentation, professional indemnity insurance, and self-employment setup. With these in place, you can confidently access opportunities through leading locum platforms and agencies.

However, making the switch from an employed role to self-employed locum work can feel overwhelming without guidance. That’s where The Optom Coach supports optometrists in the UK—helping you avoid common mistakes, set your rates, and create a locum career that works for your lifestyle.

👉 Download your free resource “Start Locuming: The Essential Setup Guide” at www.theoptomcoach.com and take your first step towards a successful future in locum optometry.