Post-registration qualifications
What are post-registration qualifications?
Once an optometrist or dispensing optician is registered with us, they can undertake further training in specialty subjects leading to specialist entry to the GOC register. For optometrists, these are GOC approved qualifications 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 Contact Lens (CLO) qualification.
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.
Post-registration qualifications for optometrists
Additional Supply
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
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 an IP qualified optometrist.
Independent prescribing
Qualified independent prescribers can 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 education providers offer, or are seeking approval to offer, GOC approved specialty qualifications for optometrists, check the details of each qualification to find out which specialty they include.
- Aston University
- Cardiff University
- City St George's, University of London
- Glasgow Caledonian University
- University of Hertfordshire
- Ulster University
Post-registration qualifications for dispensing opticians
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 education providers offer GOC approved contact lens specialty qualifications for dispensing opticians: