General Optical Council

Full registrants

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All fully-qualified optometrists and dispensing opticians in the UK must be registered with the GOC. It is illegal to practise whilst not registered.

Fully-qualified registrants have a GOC registration number starting O1- (optometrist) or DO- (dispensing optician).

Practitioners on the full register have successfully completed GOC-approved qualifications in optometry or dispensing optics or their equivalent (see non-UK applicants). They have provided evidence of meeting the required standards of education, performance and conduct, and are fit to practise in the UK.

 

 

How to register

What do I have to do?

  • Fill in an application for registration form. 
    Return the completed form, together with the £169 registration fee, to: Registration team, General Optical Council, 41 Harley Street, London W1G 8DJ.
  • Renew your registration each year by 15 March (‘retention’).
  • Keep your contact address details up to date.
  • Complete the minimum amount of Continuing Education and Training (CET).
    Be covered by professional indemnity insurance. See our FAQs for more details.

What do I get?

  • A certificate with your official GOC registration number
    (starting O1- or D-).
  • GOC newsletter, Bulletin, three times a year.
  • Renewal forms and notices.
  • Registration card.
  • Access to registrants’ area of the website.

What happens if I don’t register?

  • You will be breaking the law and may be prosecuted.
  • You may not be covered by any professional indemnity insurance.