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

Search the register

You can use the opticians registers to search for an individual practitioner or a registered business.

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For optical professionals

Continuing Professional Development

It is essential that eye care practitioners keep their skills up to date and develop new ones in order to keep patients safe. Requiring registrants to complete CPD is one way we protect the public.

Standards of practice for optometrists and dispensing opticians

The standards of behaviour and performance we expect of all registered optometrists and dispensing opticians.

For optical students

A career in optics

An overview of the different careers available in optics, including post registration specialities that can be achieved with additional training.

Education and training requirements (from March 2021)

Information about the updated education and training requirements and application process/adaptation process for education providers.

For the public/patients

How to raise a concern about an optician

Guidance on raising a concern about an optical professional and the steps we take to investigate that concern.

Hearings

Find out how we run our fitness to practise hearings, guidance to understanding your role as a witness and read outcomes of our past hearings.

GOC seeks views on changes to business regulation

The General Optical Council is consulting on a new model of business regulation that would extend regulation to all businesses providing specified restricted functions.

Published at 10:23 on 23/10/2024