Apply for a low-income fee 2024-25

Are you eligible for a low-income fee for 2024-25?

If you are a registered optometrist or dispensing optician and your gross personal income for the year 1 April 2024 - 31 March 2025 is less than £16,000, you are eligible to apply for a low-income fee.

The full year low-income fee is £285. If your application for the low-income fee is accepted, you will be refunded the difference between your retention fee and this amount.

The low-income rate is not available to businesses (bodies corporate) or students.

If you have any questions about the low-income fee and your eligibility, please contact us at registration@optical.org.

What is gross personal income? 

Gross personal income includes all income from all sources worldwide. It does not only relate to income from optometry or dispensing optics related activities. It includes, for example, pensions, investments, maternity pay, sick pay, and any kind of benefit.

What is the deadline for applying?

Applications have to be submitted by 31 March 2025. Applications will not be accepted outside of the current registration year.

Will I be audited?

If you choose to pay the low-income fee you must, upon request, provide us with copies of your payslips, bank statements, and any other documents related to your gross personal income.

If your income is assessed as greater than £16,000 or you do not supply evidence, you must immediately pay the balance. We may request this information at any time.

Our Standards of Practice include requirements around honesty, trustworthiness, and professionalism. Making a false declaration or failing to inform us of changes in your financial circumstances may call into question your fitness to practise.

How do I apply?

Complete the application form below.