The landscape of optometry in the UK is evolving, with more professionals seeking greater control, flexibility, and variety in their careers. For many, the path to achieving this leads to self-employed locum work.
Transitioning from a permanent, employed role to becoming your own boss is an exciting prospect, but it comes with a new set of responsibilities beyond the consulting room. This guide breaks down the essential, practical steps you need to take to set up successfully, ensuring you can focus on delivering excellent patient care while building a sustainable and rewarding practice.
1. What Does Self‑Employment Look Like for Optometrists?
Self‑employed optometrists in the UK commonly work as
- Locum optometrists, providing short‑ or long‑term cover across multiple practices
- Independent contractors, delivering enhanced services, clinical specialisms, or domiciliary care
- Practice owners or partners, running or co-owning a business
For most clinicians, locum work is the starting point. It offers flexibility, exposure to different practice environments, and the ability to shape your workload around personal commitments. Being clear about how you want to work will influence everything from your business structure to how you set your rates.
2. Choosing the Right Business Structure
When you start working as a locum optometrist, one of the earliest and most important decisions you’ll make is how to set up your business. The structure you choose will influence your tax obligations, legal responsibilities, and how you manage your income.
Sole Trader
- Quick and straightforward to set up
- Fewer administrative requirements
- You keep all profits after tax.
- You are personally liable for business debts.
Limited Company
- More administrative responsibility
- Potential tax efficiencies at higher income levels
- Limited personal liability
There’s no one‑size‑fits‑all answer. Many locum optometrists start as sole traders and later incorporate as their income grows. Speaking with an accountant who understands healthcare professionals is strongly recommended before making a decision.
3. Registering with HMRC and Managing Tax
If you choose to operate as a sole trader, you’ll need to register for Self Assessment with HMRC, maintain accurate records of all income and expenses, and submit an annual tax return to cover Income Tax and National Insurance. For those setting up a limited company, there are additional responsibilities, including registering with Companies House, paying corporation tax, and setting up PAYE if you plan to draw a salary.
4. Professional Registration and Clinical Compliance
To practise as a self‑employed optometrist in the UK, it’s essential to keep your GOC registration current, stay on top of your CET requirements, and have the right professional indemnity insurance in place. For those providing enhanced services or domiciliary care, additional training, DBS checks, and safeguarding compliance may also be necessary, depending on the setting. Staying on top of these requirements not only ensures you meet legal obligations but also gives your patients confidence in your professionalism and care.
5. Setting Locum Rates and Managing Your Finances
As a self-employed professional, you are your own finance department, so clear financial planning is essential. When setting your day rate, consider:
- Income Tax and National Insurance
- Pension contributions
- Insurance costs
- Annual leave, CPD time, and sick days
To determine the right rate, research the market by:
- Speaking discreetly with fellow locums
- Consulting reputable optometry recruitment agencies
- Considering location, experience, and type of work (independent practice vs. multiple sites)
Using a dedicated business bank account and accounting software will help you manage cash flow, stay compliant, and reduce stress throughout the year.
Note: You must register for VAT if your taxable turnover exceeds the £90,000 threshold. Most locums operate below this threshold, but it's important to monitor.
6. Finding Work and Building Strong Practice Relationships
Once your rates are set and your finances are in order, the next step is finding the right work to suit your skills, schedule, and career goals. While you can build relationships directly with practices or rely on professional networks and referrals, working with a specialist agency can make the process far smoother. Verovian Optical Recruitment Agency is a standout choice, offering personalised support, access to competitive rates, a wide range of high-quality placements across the UK, and expert guidance on contracts, compliance, and career development. By combining this support with your reliability, clear communication, and consistent clinical standards, you can build strong practice relationships and secure repeat bookings with confidence.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Going Self‑Employed
Many optometrists fall into the same early traps. Common mistakes include:
- Underestimating tax liabilities
- Setting rates too low without accounting for overheads
- Delaying insurance or pension planning
- Failing to clarify employment status and contracts
- Not keeping accurate financial records
Avoiding these pitfalls early on can save significant stress later.
Planning for Long‑Term Career Growth
Self‑employment doesn’t have to mean standing still. Over time, you may choose to:
- Develop a clinical specialism
- Transition into practice ownership or partnership
- Adjust your working pattern for a better work‑life balance.
- Build a portfolio career combining clinical and non‑clinical roles
Regularly reviewing your setup ensures your career continues to support both your professional and personal goals.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a self-employed optometrist in the UK offers greater flexibility and control, but success relies on getting the fundamentals right – from compliance and tax planning to setting sustainable locum rates and managing your finances. With the right preparation, self-employment can support both your career ambitions and work–life balance.
Verovian Optical Recruitment Agency supports self-employed and locum optometrists across the UK, offering personalised guidance, competitive opportunities, and expert support with contracts and compliance.
Register with Verovian Optical Recruitment Agency to explore current locum roles and take the next step in your self-employed career.
