The Independent Prescribing information on these webpages are only applicable for candidates who have completed courses compliant with the GOC's 2008 Independent Prescribing handbook. Students who undertook the Aston University course from October 2023, or the Cardiff University course from 2024 need to refer to the information provided by those providers only.

Qualifying in independent prescribing (IP) brings new opportunities for you and your practice. The Therapeutics Common Final Assessment exam is the route to becoming a fully qualified IP optometrist and is approved by the General Optical Council.

Optometrists with an IP qualification are able to clinically assess a patient, establish a diagnosis, determine the clinical management required and prescribe where necessary. Once qualified, you may prescribe any licensed medicine (except for controlled drugs or medicines for parenteral (injected) administration) for conditions affecting the eye, and the tissues surrounding the eye, within your recognised area of expertise and competence. You will be able to prescribe privately and, where suitable arrangements have been made, write an NHS prescription. 

Getting your IP qualification will boost your confidence in managing acute eye conditions and add variety to your role. You can follow new career paths and take on more responsibility in practice or within a hospital clinic. It allows you to manage a range of conditions in practice, so your patients don’t need to be referred to hospital - helping you to attract new patients and build loyalty.