General Optical Council

Complaints about registrants

If you want to make a complaint about a registrant’s fitness to practise the first step is to complete a complaint form. This is available to download, or contact our Fitness to practise team to receive a copy by post.

When completing the form you need to provide details to enable our solicitors to gather evidence. This might include any relevant documents and the identity of any witnesses. See our process flowchart for details about the investigation process.

If we cannot help we will suggest other organisations which can. If you would like to discuss your complaint in more detail, or need more information, contact our Fitness to Practise team.   

Complaints about optical services

If you are dissatisfied with your glasses or have a consumer complaint (eg refunds, customer service) contact the Optical Consumer Complaints Service, on 0844 800 5071 or write to: OCCS, PO Box 219, Petersfield GU32 9BY.

Complaints about the Council

If you want to make a complaint about the Council or one of its members or staff, read our complaints protocol for more information.

Criminal offences

If you suspect that an individual or corporate body may have committed a criminal offence by contravening one of the sections of the Opticians Act, contact our Criminal Prosecutions Manager. Allegations are dealt according to our protocol on the Investigation and Prosecution of Criminal Offences.

Other organisations which can help

There may be other organisations that can help with your complaint. See our useful links.