What to study and where
All providers wishing to deliver GOC-approved qualifications must do so under our education and training requirements (ETR) which were published, and became effective from, March 2021 and onwards.
Providers with existing GOC-approved qualifications prior to the introduction of the ETR are required to adapt their qualifications to the ETR. Since September 2023, there has been a period of transition whilst each education provider makes the necessary adaptations to meet the ETR.
Optometry
Since the introduction of the ETR, all optometry qualifications must be delivered at a minimum of RQF level 7/SCQF level 11* (or equivalent) and while qualifications can vary, an optometry student can expect to study for a minimum of four years, or five in Scotland.
The qualification must incorporate all aspects of learning required to become a qualified optometrist, including all clinical and placement learning. This moves away from previous education requirements, where typical optometry courses were shorter because they did not include the clinical pre-registration aspect. This was undertaken in practice, under the guidance of a GOC-registered optometrist and delivered by a separate organisation.
Dispensing optics
Since the introduction of the ETR, all dispensing qualifications must now be a minimum of RQF level 6/SCQF level 10/9* (or equivalent) and must incorporate all aspects of learning required to become a qualified dispensing optician, including all clinical and patient facing learning.
Dispensing optics qualifications vary in delivery mode and duration with education providers offering full, blended/distance learning, and apprenticeship options. The variation of options allows for some flexibility in duration, but dispensing students should expect to study for around three years in total.
You can find more information on our UK route to registration webpage for registration as an optometrist or dispensing optician.
* Regulated Qualification Framework England (RQF) and Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF).
Where to study
Below is a list of education providers who currently offer qualifications with GGOC approval approval, or are in the process of gaining approval, to offer qualifications leading to GOC registration. You can find out more about the individual education provider, each qualification it offers and whether they have been adapted to the ETR using the links below.
Optometry
- Anglia Ruskin University
- Aston University
- Cardiff University
- City St George's, University of London
- College of Optometrists
- Glasgow Caledonian University
- Teesside University
- University of Bradford
- University of Hertfordshire
- University of Highlands and Islands**
- University of Huddersfield
- University of Lancashire
- University of Manchester
- University of Plymouth
- University of Ulster
- University of the West of England
*currently seeking approval for one or more qualification.
**has an approved qualification(s) and is currently seeking approval for one or more further qualifications.
Dispensing optics
- Anglia Ruskin University
- Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO)**
- Glasgow Caledonian University
- University of Lancashire
*currently seeking approval for one or more qualification.
**has an approved qualification(s) and is currently seeking approval for one or more further qualifications.
For further information regarding specialty qualifications, see Post-registration qualifications.
International Trainee Adaptation Providers
Please see our international application process pages if you are an international trainee wishing to undertake modules to complete outstanding competencies enabling you to register in the UK.