The Central Optical Fund is a not for profit organisation controlled and run by Local Optical Committees (LOCs) for the benefit of the optometric and optical professions and LOCs. The Fund invites and considers applications for funding eyecare and the optical sector related projects in England and Wales. It is through these projects the Fund seeks to protect and maintain the sight and ocular health of the public by promoting the profession.
Since inception in 1972, the Fund has supported a variety of projects of various size, scope and setting. These projects have been political, GOS related, research based, legal, educational (both public and practitioner), strategic and data based too. The Fund also serves as a defensive aid in times of need. For example in the 1980s, the Fund supported the AOP’s efforts in defending the profession against additional VAT liability from the Government. Historically, the Fund has provided ongoing funding to the AOP for regular primary care and political work.
Projects supported by the Fund have been delivered and supported by the whole optical sector including AOP, ABDO, FODO, Optical Confederation, LOCSU, Optical Consumer Complaints Service (OCCS), College of Optometrists, Eyecare Trust, BCLA, Universities and charities.
The Fund is financed by the GOS Voluntary Levy (individual NHS contractors giving a voluntary donation to the Fund) and contributions from LOCs and individuals.
The Fund is a Company Limited by Guarantee and its members are individual LOCs. It is managed by five Directors, each representing, and elected by, five broad geographical areas of England and Wales. Meeting about four times a year, the Fund aims to minimise overheads to maximise expenditure on projects.
A copy of the Register of Member LOCs can be found here.
LOCs wishing to become a Member can complete this online Application Form