GOC removes 386 students

The General Optical Council has removed 386 student optometrists and dispensing opticians from its registers for failing to renew their registration for 2010-11.

A total of 146 student optometrists and 240 student dispensing opticians have been removed from the registers for failing to meet the August 31 late application deadline. This is a small increase, less than 1 per cent, compared to last year's retention removals.

GOC registrar and chief executive Dian Taylor said: 'Failing to renew your registration is a serious matter. Students who wish to continue their training must now restore to the registers - at additional cost - before they are able to continue with their course, pre-registration training or exams.'