GOC fees for 2026-27

The General Optical Council (GOC) has announced its fees for the 2026/7 registration period, which were approved by Council at its 17 December meeting. The main fee for optometrists and dispensing opticians will be £425, an increase of £10 (2.5%) from last year, which is below the rate of inflation (September 2025 CPI rate of 3.8%). Fees for students (£30) and those on low incomes (£290) will be frozen, remaining the same as last year.

The GOC is committed to achieving greater operational efficiency and value for money. In the past twelve months we have moved to a smaller more cost-effective office.  Our use of digital technologies has led to productivity gains and enhancing our in-house legal and advocacy expertise has reduced our expenditure on external legal fees. This has allowed us to keep the main fee increase below inflation and freeze the fee for students and those on low incomes.

We are mindful of the continued impact of inflation and the rising cost of living on our registrants and the businesses we regulate. However, like most businesses, rising costs, including inflationary increases in supplier contracts, and increasing employment costs, have directly impacted upon our ability to balance our budget and avoid deficits, and effectively deliver our statutory responsibilities whilst maintaining good customer service.

This below-inflation increase to the main registration fee will ensure the GOC can continue to fulfil its regulatory remit and protect the public by upholding high standards in eye care services in the UK.