General Optical Council

This route is for people who are European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) nationals and who gained their qualifications within the EU/EEA.

Under this route, nationals of EU/ EEA countries who have gained optical qualifications in an EU/EEA country can apply to another EU/ EEA country to have their qualifications recognised.

The GOC is the ‘competent authority’ for optics in the UK under the EU Directive on the mutual recognition of professional qualifications. It is our job to consider applications from those who want to practise as an optometrist or dispensing optician in the UK. We determine whether there are any significant differences between your training and education, and that which is required of a UK dispensing optician or optometrist.

If there are significant differences you must correct this through an adaptation period (a period of further study in the UK which may be subject to assessment) or an aptitude test, carried out in the UK. If we decide that you have all the necessary qualifications, skills and experience, your name will be added to the registers and you can practise in the UK.