A major update to the UK Eye Care Data Hub has projected a significant upturn in qualified dispensing optician (DO) numbers – from 6,465 in 2025 to 7,421 by 2035.
The new figures come as the data hub’s eyecare workforce data forecast expands to include students currently enrolled on the Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship in Ophthalmic Dispensing*.
Previously, the data hub had forecast a downward trajectory in qualified DO numbers – from 6,617 in 2023 to 5,852 in 2033.
Established in 2025, the UK Eye Care Data Hub is a sector-wide collaborative project steered by the College of Optometrists to provide an up-to-date and comprehensive model of the UK’s eyecare workforce and eye diseases. It is co-funded by ABDO, the British & Irish Orthoptic Society, the Department of Health Northern Ireland, FODO – the Association for Eyecare Providers, and the Royal College of Ophthalmologists.
The College recently led and funded an update of the data hub to include 38 additional eye conditions – including keratoconus, retinal vein occlusion and ectropion – bringing to total to more than 80 eye conditions across the UK and by nation, region and integrated care board (ICB) or health board from 2023 through to 2038.
Additionally, updates to the Scottish optometry and ophthalmology workforce data have now been included.
Commenting on the new forecast, ABDO CEO, Alistair Bridge, said: “These updated projections present a far more positive and realistic picture for the future of dispensing opticians. By investing time in strengthening the data – from more accurate student intake figures to better tracking of progression through training – we can now see a workforce that is set to grow from around 6,500 in 2025 to nearly 7,500 by 2035, rather than decline.
“This reflects both the resilience of the profession and the growing range of high quality routes into ophthalmic dispensing. We will continue to share our latest data so that the model provides a picture of the future workforce that is as accurate as possible,” added Alistair.
Dr Gillian Rudduck, president of the College of Optometrists, said: “Users from across the UK and worldwide, including clinicians, academics and researchers, have logged in to use the UK Eye Care Data Hub since it launched in 2025. The hub has been used to support commissioners and designers of eyecare services in each of the four UK nations to identify future population eyecare needs based on data for a wide range of eye conditions seen in primary and secondary care, and to optimise the existing eyecare workforce.”
The College plans a further update later this year, reflecting the first phase of the new ICB restructures in England and including updated workforce data.
Find out more about the UK Eye Care Data Hub.
* Launched in September 2024, the DO apprenticeship is delivered by ABDO College, Bradford College, Capital City College – and, from September 2026, the University of Plymouth.