General Optical Council

Full registrants

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Sight test 2All 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 01- (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 £270 registration fee to: Registration Department, General Optical Council, 41 Harley Street, London W1G 8DJ.
  • If you are currently registered as a student you may be entitled to a pro-rata rate for registration. Contact the Registration department on 0207 580 3898 (option 1) before sending off your registration form to clarify the registration fee payable.
  • If your total income for the registration year ending 31 March 2012 is less than £12,000 you may submit an application for the low income rate of registration. Please complete an application form or contact the Registration department on 0207 580 3898 (option 1) for further information.
  • 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 01- or D-).
  • GOC newsletter, Bulletin, three times a year.
  • Renewal forms and notices.
  • 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.