We are the regulator for the optical professions in the UK
We protect the public by setting standards for education, training, performance and conduct amongst opticians in the UK
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You can use the opticians registers to search for an individual practitioner or a registered business.

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For the first time in just under a decade, the GOC has met all 18 of the PSA’s Standards of Good Regulation for 2021/22.
Published at 12:00 on 20/03/2023
Latest updates
News from Council - 22 March 2023
Updates from General Optical Council meeting - 22 March 2023.
Published on 23/03/2023
GOC launches 2023 Registrant Workforce and Perceptions Survey
The GOC has launched its Registrant Workforce and Perceptions Survey to gain valuable insights about its registrants, their views on Continuing Professional Development (CPD), and the GOC overall.
Published on 21/03/2023
PSA review concludes that the General Optical Council meets all Standards of Good Regulation
For the first time in just under a decade, the GOC has met all 18 of the PSA’s Standards of Good Regulation for 2021/22.
Published on 20/03/2023
GOC suspends Southampton based optometrist from register
The GOC has decided to suspend Zbigniew Ashleigh, an optometrist based in Southampton, from its register for four months.
Published on 17/03/2023