Congratulations on passing the OSCE! Once you have passed the OSCE and obtained your university degree, you can join the College, attend the Diploma Ceremony and use the letters MCOptom after your name - demonstrating your commitment to the highest clinical and professional standards.
Welcome to the profession
Joining the College
If you've obtained your university degree, you can join the College using the links below and become an MCOptom. The first year membership fee is just £32 and will give you College membership all the way through to 30 September 2024.
The College's positive work for the profession, and the numerous resources and opportunities it provides, makes membership essential for any enthusiastic and ambitious newly-qualified optometrist.
Next steps
Make sure you register with the GOC and read our FAQsbelow about being newly qualified in practice.
You can only practise as a newly qualified optometrist once you have received your GOC number and you will also need to be on the Performers List in order to see NHS patients.
Until you have your GOC number, you can only practise under the supervision of a College supervisor.
If you have passed the OSCE, you will need to register with the GOC by completing and submitting the GOC’s online application form to join the fully qualified register.
To register as an optometrist or dispensing optician, you must be adequately covered by an appropriate, UK-valid professional indemnity insurance policy.
Professional indemnity insurance protects you in case of claims arising from allegations of negligence and fulfils the requirements of the Opticians Act 1989 for optometrists and dispensing opticians to have insurance to practise in the UK.
Professional indemnity insurance is available from a variety of providers including some multiples, organisations within the profession and other independent insurance providers.
Our in-house clinical advisers are just a phone call or email away to provide a prompt answer to your clinical, professional and ethical questions.
Letters
Our MCOptom affix is a sign of member commitment to the highest standards. We encourage people to look for these letters when choosing an optometrist.
Free CPD events
Earn those vital CPD points at our free member events across the UK – typically comprising engaging lectures, peer discussion and peer review.
Clinical information
Our Clinical Management Guidelines (CMGs) are a reliable source of evidence-based information on the diagnosis and management of a range of conditions.
Patient information
Our popular patient information leaflets are completely free of charge to members, and are designed to help patients understand common conditions.
Member app
Our member app provides clinical guidance and information at your fingertips, even when you are offline.