Don’t miss the deadline

After posting retention forms to all optometrists, registered DOs and corporate bodies, the GOC is urging registrants to return them as soon as possible to avoid late fees or possible removal from the register.

The forms must be returned with payment by March 15, 2009. A £20 late application charge will apply to those who return their forms after the deadline, but before March 31.

‘The GOC isn’t out to make money from these charges,’ said acting registrar Dian Taylor. ‘Processing late applications comes at a cost. We don’t believe that the majority of registrants who pay on time should have to foot the bill.’