General Optical Council

Professional guidance

We do not issue any professional guidance apart from the Codes of Conduct. Instead, we review the guidance that is issued by other professional and representative optical bodies, such as the College of Optometrists and the Association of British Dispensing Opticians. We often refer to their guidance and advice in aspects of our work.

Registrants are expected to be familiar with all relevant professional guidance throughout their career. We occasionally issue supplementary guidance on specific areas of practice.

Use the links below to view GOC supplementary guidance.

Statement on sale and supply of optical appliances

Use the links below to view current professional guidance.
Association of Optometrists
Association of British Dispensing Opticians

The College of Optometrists

The Federation of Ophthalmic and Dispensing Opticians

European / Worldwide guidance

European Council of Optometry

Optometrists Association Australia

World Council of Optometry