General Optical Council

Every patient deserves to be treated by an optometrist or dispensing optician who meets high standards of personal and professional conduct. The GOC sets standards so that every registered practitioner knows what is expected of them.

We set standards in two areas: performance and knowledge; and behaviour. We take action against registrants who do not meet these standards.

This section contains information about the knowledge, skills and behaviour required to practise as an optometrist or dispensing optician in the UK.

You can also download our booklet aimed at patients, "What to expect from your optician":

What to expect from your optician