Student registration renewal deadline approaches

The deadline for students to renew their registration with the General Optical Council (GOC) is approaching, with students reminded to complete their applications by 15 July.

Daniel Hall, registration manager, said: “We encourage all students to renew their registration sooner rather than later to ensure they are all set to continue their studies in the autumn.”

Applications must be completed and the retention fee paid by 15 July.

“If you are not registered, you may be excluded from clinical training and examinations. We may not recognise qualifications of applicants for full registration who were not registered for all or part of their training,” Hall explained.

If a student is not going to be studying in the next academic year, if taking a gap year for example, they will not be able to remain registered.

Hall emphasised: “You must inform us as soon as you leave optical training or study. You will then need to apply to be restored to the student register when you recommence your studies.”

Reminders from the AOP

Scott Shadbolt, head of professional discipline at the AOP, spoke with OT about what student registrants need to be aware of when it comes to renewal – from the potential consequences, to how to stay updated, and where to turn for help.

The consequences of missing renewal

Shadbolt highlighted that the most common reasons given for student registrants missing the renewal deadline are that they did not know they were required to renew, or had forgotten the deadline.

He said: “The consequences of not renewing registration on time are significant. The primary consequence is that student registrants will likely be removed from the register entirely. This will prevent student registrants’ ability to continue to study or train.”

Shadbolt cautioned that if student registrants do continue to study or train while not registered, regardless of whether they are aware or not, this could cause further issues.

“These could include having a negative impact on any application to be restored to the GOC’s student register and providing treatment without appropriate insurance,” he said.

Keeping on top of registration

When it comes to maintaining registration, Shadbolt recommends: “Student registrants should ensure that they have a method for reminding themselves of the annual deadline for renewing their registration.”

This could mean setting a phone or work calendar reminder.

“It may also be a good idea to ensure they follow the GOC on social media or are subscribed for updates because the GOC typically publish reminders about key deadlines such as registration renewal,” Shadbolt said.

He emphasised the importance of student registrants ensuring the contact information the GOC hold is correct and up-to-date to ensure that important correspondence is received.

AOP advice

Student members can contact the AOP regarding queries on registration renewal.

Shadbolt said: “Particular areas that we can assist with include what information to include, whether matters need to be declared in renewal applications, and steps to take if the renewal deadline has been missed.”