Post-registration qualifications

Once an optometrist or dispensing optician is registered with us, they can undertake GOC approved qualifications leading to specialist entry to the GOC register. For Optometrists, these are GOC approved qualifications leading to specialist entry to the GOC register in one or more of the following categories: additional supply (AS), supplementary prescribing (SP) and independent prescribing (IP). For Dispensing Opticians, this is a GOC approved qualification leading to specialist entry to the GOC register as a Contact Lens Optician (CLO). 

If a registrant performs specialist work without being on the appropriate register, the Council’s Fitness to Practise Committee may treat this as evidence of impaired fitness to practise.

The four post-registration specialties:

Additional Supply

This specialty is open to optometrists only who have been practising for at least two years. Registrants with the additional supply specialty are qualified to write orders for, and supply in an emergency, a range of drugs in addition to those which can be ordered or supplied by a normal optometrist.

Supplementary prescribing

This specialty is open to optometrists only who have been practising for at least two years. Registrants with the supplementary prescribing specialty are qualified to manage a patient’s clinical condition and prescribe medicines according to a clinical management plan set up in conjunction with an independent prescriber, such as a GP, ophthalmologist or qualified optometrist.

Independent prescribing

This specialty is open to optometrists only who have been practising for at least two years. Qualified independent prescribers will take responsibility for the clinical assessment of a patient, establish a diagnosis and determine the clinical management required, including prescribing where necessary.

Where can I train?

The following universities offer courses in Independent Prescribing:

• Aston University - Full Approval
• Cardiff University - Full Approval
• City University - Full Approval
• Glasgow Caledonian University - Full Approval
• University of Hertfordshire - Full Approval
• Ulster University - Full Approval

Contact lens specialty

This specialty is open to qualified dispensing opticians only and allows them to assess whether contact lenses meet the needs of a patient. They can also fit and supply a patient with one or more contact lenses and provide aftercare.

Where can I train?

The following providers offer approved training courses for the contact lens specialty:

• ABDO College – Full Approval
• Anglia Ruskin University – Full Approval
• Bradford College – Full Approval
• City and Islington College – Full Approval