International optometrists
Guidance on how to apply as an optometrist who qualified outside the UK.
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Register from overseas
Optometrists from the United States and Canada
If you qualified as an optometrist in the USA or Canada, you may be eligible for direct entry to the GOC register, provided you meet our requirements.
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International dispensing opticians
Guidance on how to apply to join as a dispensing optician as an international applicant.
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Working in the United Kingdom
Information about working as an optical professional in the UK.
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Registering from overseas self assessment
The form to apply to join our register as an international applicant.
View moreLatest data on registering from overseas (October 2025 - March 2026)
Between April 2026 and September 2026, a total of 77 individuals applied for entitlement to practise in the UK. Over the same period, 62 individuals were granted entry onto the Fully Qualified register.
Among those granted recognition:
- 1 individual held an EU undergraduate degree.
- 1 individual held an FBDO overseas qualification.
- 60 individuals held a postgraduate qualification.
In terms of professional experience:
- 19 individuals had between 1–5 years of experience.
- 18 individuals had between 6–10 years of experience.
- 10 individuals had between 11–14 years of experience.
- 6 individuals had 15+ years of experience.
Of which, 9 individuals were granted entry onto the register through the Direct Entry process.
We will continue to publish statistics on overseas registrations every six months to support transparency and monitoring.