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Therapeutics Qualifications and the GOC

Therapeutics Qualifications 

Before being allowed to practice in additional supply, supplementary or independent prescribing optometrists need to have specialist registration with the General Optical Council (GOC) in their chosen area of prescribing. The following College qualifications lead to specialist registration with the GOC:
 
DipAS - Diploma in Additional Supply
DipSP – Diploma in Supplementary Prescribing
DipIP – Diploma in Independent Prescribing
 
Optometrists interested in becoming qualified prescribers are required to undergo a course of theoretical training offered by various training providers, a period of practical clinical placements experience, and a Therapeutics Common Final Assessment through the College of Optometrists. Optometrists who successfully complete the College assessment will be awarded one or more of the above listed College Diplomas in their chosen area(s) of prescribing enabling them to apply to the General Optical Council for specialist registration.
 

General Optical Council

Optometrists who have undertaken approved training in therapeutics and who have passed the College of Optometrists’ Common Final Assessment as laid down in the GOC Independent Prescribing Handbook, are eligible to register according to the following GOC Rules:
 
Download - GOC Rules
 
Download - Prescribing Handbook July 2008 

Download - Advice from the GOC on Therapeutics Training