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 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)

Updated education and training requirements for optometrists and dispensing opticians, independent prescribing and contact lens opticians.

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.

New research shows high levels of public satisfaction and trust in optical professions

The GOC has published its 2023 public perceptions research, which seeks to understand the public’s views and practical experiences of using eyecare services.

Published at 12:00 on 31/05/2023

Latest updates

News and press releases

GOC appoints ten new members to Hearings Panel

The General Optical Council (GOC) has appointed ten new members to its Hearings Panel.

Published on 01/09/2023

News and press releases

GOC launches consultation on verification of contact lens specifications and definition of aftercare statement

The GOC has launched a consultation on a statement around verifying a copy of a contact lens specification during the sale of prescription contact lenses. It also provides a definition of aftercare.

Published on 29/08/2023

News and press releases