UK routes to registration

The routes to registration as an optometrist or a dispensing optician in the United Kingdom are below.

To qualify as an optometrist or dispensing optician, you must:

1. Apply to enrol on an approved qualification in Optometry or Dispensing Optics. Please visit the What to study and where page to find out where you can train to become an optometrist or a dispensing optician.
2. Register with the GOC as a student. By law, any student undertaking approved qualifications in Optometry or Dispensing Optics must register with us. Please visit the Student Registration page to complete an application form.
3. Upon completion of an approved qualification, you must register with the GOC as a fully qualified individual to become an Optometrist or Dispensing Optician and practise in the UK.