General Optical Council

The term ‘core competencies’ is used to describe the knowledge and skills an optometrist or dispensing optician must possess, in order to register with us and practise in the UK.

There are core competencies in four areas of practice:

• optometry
• dispensing optics
• contact lenses (for dispensing opticians)
• therapeutic prescribing (for optometrists). 

To gain a qualification in optometry, dispensing optics, contact lenses or therapeutic prescribing, trainees have to demonstrate that they are proficient in the associated core competencies.

You can download each set of core competencies.

Optometry Competencies 2010

Dispensing Competencies 2010

Contact Lens Competencies 2010

Independent Prescribing Competencies 2009

You can also download any of the Education handbooks, which include the Optometry, Dispensing, Scheme for Registration and Independent Prescribing handbooks.