The College of Optometrists

04 September 2007

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The General Optical Council (GOC) removed a total of 288 student optometrists and dispensing opticians from its registers today.

Those removed failed to complete the retention process by returning a completed application form and paying the retention fee.

Students not on the registers should not be allowed to continue with their course or pre-registration training or sit an exam until they have re-applied for registration. The relevant education providers and examining bodies are being sent lists of students who have been removed. The GOC has further warned that any unregistered student who carries out reserved functions may face prosecution for a criminal offence. Students who have not been continuously registered may be refused full registration. The Council will take any break from student registration into account in determining their fitness to practise.

GOC registrar Peter Coe said: "Student registration is a critical part of the regulatory framework in optics, essential to ensure public protection and the accountability of the student to the code of conduct. The majority of students have demonstrated a professional approach and attitude to both registration and their future profession. Efforts to enhance communications with students and training providers have contributed a significant improvement on last year. We are grateful for the assistance of our educational partners, and we will continue to work closely with them to ensure full student registration."

Student registrants are being issued with registration cards to assist employers and educational establishments with checking their registration. Cards will be sent out to students in their practice training period. Those attending courses will be issued with the cards by their university or college at the start of term.
First year students starting optometry or dispensing optics courses this year will need to register before starting their course. The GOC will be visiting all the universities and colleges which are providing GOC approved courses at the start of term to talk to students and collect remaining applications.

Any student who wishes to reapply for registration must complete a new registration application form. Retention forms will no longer be accepted. Forms and further information are available from the GOC website, The registration team can also be contacted on 020 7580 3898 (option 1) or email