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The General Optical Council is the statutory body which regulates the optical professions. The GOC's main aims are to protect the public and promote high standards of professional conduct and education amongst opticians. The Opticians Act 1989 details the GOC's powers and duties.

The education and training of optometrists and dispensing opticians is an important aspect of the GOC's work and manages all matters relating to optical training and examinations, including continuing and post qualification education.

GOC core competencies:

• Revised Core Competencies for Optometry (pdf)
• Revised Core Competencies for Dispensing Opticians (pdf)
• Contact Lens Competencies for Dispensing Opticians (pdf)
• Core Competencies for Therapeutic Prescribing Optometrists (pdf)

Interested in becoming an optician? Have A Look at Optometrists, the College of Optometrists' careers website.