General Optical Council

Our registrants have a duty to behave professionally and respectfully in all aspects of their work. We set codes of conduct that explain the personal and ethical standards expected of optometrists, dispensing opticians, students and optical businesses.

There are separate codes of conduct for individual registrants and business registrants (ie optical businesses). Each describes the key principles of good practice and professional conduct to which registrants must adhere. If a registrant fails to comply with the duties and responsibilities set out in the Code, they are putting their registration at risk.

You can download each code of conduct below:

Code of conduct for individual registrants
Code of conduct for business registrants

Following a consultation, the Council will launch new codes of conduct on 1 April 2010. Read feedback from the consultation.

Codes of Conduct (effective from 1 April 2010)
Cod Ymddygiad (o 1 Ebrill 2010 ymlaen)

Codes of Conduct for business registrants (effective from 1 April 2010)
Cod Ymarfer ar Gyfer Busnesau Cofrestredig (o 1 Ebrill 2010 ymlaen)

CHRE cross-regulatory statement on whistleblowing

CHRE whistleblowing statement