General Optical Council

Accreditation of new programmes

The GOC welcomes expressions of interest from providers seeking to establish new optical education provision fully or partially leading to a registrable qualification in optometry, ophthalmic dispensing, therapeutic prescribing or contact lens optics.

The expression of interest should include, as a minimum:

• The name of the institution;
• The title of the proposed programme;
• The name(s) of the programme lead and senior management; and
• The proposed start date for the programme.

Once a potential provider submits an expression of interest, we will provide:

• a checklist, detailing the information required to submit a formal application;
• a copy of our Handbook; and
• an indicative timeline for approval of the proposed programme.

Our new application process map (below) sets out the full process from expression of interest to the granting of provisional approval. Please note that new programmes may only obtain provisional approval once the GOC is satisfied that the programme meets our requirements, as set out in the Handbook.

Education providers seeking to establish a new optical education programme or qualification should contact us at education@optical.org.

  

  

New Application Process Map