General Optical Council

If an optometrist or dispensing optician has been removed from the registers for failing for apply for retention, but they want to continue practising, they must apply to rejoin the registers. This is called ‘restoration’, or ‘restoring to the registers’.

If an optometrist or dispensing optician has been off the registers for a period of time eg for a career break or maternity leave, they must also apply for restoration. If an optician continues to practise but is not registered with us, they are breaking the law.

How to apply for restoration

• Download an application for restoration form, or contact our registration team for a copy. 
• Complete the form and return it to us, together with the £239 restoration fee.
  Send the form and payment to: Registration team, General Optical Council, 41 Harley Street, London W1G 8DJ.

NB To apply for restoration to the registers, you must have gained at least 12 general CET points in the last 12 months. If you are applying for restoration of a specialty, you must have gained 12 general CET points AND six specialty CET points in the last 12 months.