Update to process for EEA and Swiss National applicants

We would like to share updates to the process for EEA and Swiss optometrists and dispensing opticians who wish to join the GOC register from 1 January 2021.

From next year, EEA optometrists and dispensing opticians applicants will need to apply for registration via our non-EEA international registration process.

Subject to further legislation to implement the Swiss Citizen’s Rights Agreement, Swiss nationals applying for registration may still apply under the EU directive on the recognition of professional qualifications through the general system of recognition until 31 December 2024. This will be under our existing EEA applications process, in line with the EU directive on the recognition of professional qualifications.

EEA and Swiss applicants who have started their application for registration prior to 11pm on 31 December 2020 will still be able to apply on the same basis that they started the process. This will be under the existing EEA application process which complies with the EU directive on the recognition of professional qualifications.

Existing EEA and Swiss GOC registrants will not be affected by these changes.

More guidance is available from the Department of Health and Social Care.