How we approve new programmes

It usually takes between 12 and 16 months from the point of submitting a Stage 1 application to when you can expect to receive a Stage 3 outcome. Providers are unable to recruit to the qualification until a Stage 3 outcome, granting permission to recruit to the qualification, has been received. This is granted by our Chief Executive and Registrar. We define recruiting to the qualification as the point in which you enrol students onto the qualification.

The time it takes for your application to reach a stage 3 outcome will depend on several factors. For example, whether we have required more information from you at any point within a stage, and the length of time it takes for you to submit the next stage of the application process after receiving the outcome of the last.

We welcome 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. Prospective providers are strongly encouraged to submit an expression of interest as soon as possible in advance of submitting a Stage 1 application. This will enable us to schedule a meeting with providers to support workload planning and our ability to meet the timelines outlined above.

Education providers seeking to establish a new optical education qualification should contact us at [email protected].

The expression of interest should include, as a minimum:

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

As of March 2021, any new optometry and ophthalmic dispensing qualifications must meet our new Requirements for Approved Qualifications in Optometry and Dispensing Optics.

As of January 2022, any new qualifications in additional supply (AS), supplementary prescribing (SP) and independent prescribing (IP) must meet our updated education and training Requirements for Approved Qualifications in Additional Supply (AS), Supplementary Prescribing (SP) and/or Independent Prescribing (IP).

As of March 2022, any new qualifications for contact lens opticians must meet our updated Requirements for Approved Qualifications for Contact Lens Opticians. 

Application form

The merged application form can be used by all prospective providers seeking GOC approval for a qualification, regardless of speciality: