General Optical Council

Standards in competence

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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 . 

Please note for courses approved before 2010, the 2008 competencies will apply until 2012. For new courses from 2010 onwards, the 2011 competencies apply.

Acrobat Reader icon 2011 optometry stage 1 core competencies

Acrobat Reader icon 2011 optometry stage 2 core competencies

Acrobat Reader icon 2011 dispensing optics core competencies

Acrobat Reader icon 2011 contact lens speciality competencies

Acrobat Reader icon 2011 independent prescribing competencies

 

Acrobat Reader icon 2008 optometry competencies

Acrobat Reader icon 2008 dispensing optics competencies

Acrobat Reader icon 2008 contact lens specialty competencies

 

 

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