392 practitioners removed from GOC register for falling short on CET requirements

The General Optical Council (GOC) has removed 392 practitioners from its register for failing to meet its continuing education and training (CET) requirements.

A further 40 optometrists and 58 dispensing opticians were removed from the register after they failed to renew their registration in time for the 31 March 2019 deadline.

Head of standards and CET at the GOC, Marcus Dye, congratulated registrants who met the CET requirements and applied for renewal on time.

“As the optical professions change rapidly, it is more vital than ever that optical practitioners keep their skills and knowledge up to date, so they can continue to deliver high standards of care to their patients,” he said.

The GOC’s head of registration, Yeslin Gearty, highlighted that the small number of registrants who failed to renew by the deadline were no longer able to practise in the UK and had been removed from the NHS Performers List.

“I would urge any practitioner, who wishes to restore to the register to start the restoration process as quickly as possible,” he said.

Individual or businesses who wish to be restored to the register must complete a restoration form and pay £70.

Individuals must also provide evidence that they have met CET requirements over the past 12 months.