We keep a register of bodies corporate (“business registrants”).
A body corporate is a limited company or limited liability partnership that has been incorporated with Companies House.
Bodies corporate can register with the GOC if they meet the requirements in Section 9 of the Opticians Act. Usually, this will mean that the majority of company directors are registered optometrists and/or dispensing opticians.
If a body corporate is using a protected title in their company name, they must be registered with us as a body corporate. Additionally, if a company takes or uses a name that implies that it is registered with the GOC, then it must ensure that it is registered. NB Section 28(6) of the Act makes it clear that if a company uses the title “optician”, it will be presumed to be implying that it is registered with the GOC.
A business registrant has a GOC registration number starting CO-.
What do I have to do?
If you want to use a protected title as part of your company name:
If are not using a protected title as part of your company name:
You must renew your registration as a body corporate each year by 15 March (‘retention’).
What do I get?
We send you a certificate stating your business’s GOC registration number
(starting CO-).