GOC renewal deadline approaches

The General Optical Council has reported that thousands of practitioners have yet to renew their registration for 2006-07.

At least 8,605 retention forms were outstanding on February 24, with less than four weeks to run until the March 15 deadline.

'This figure does not include those registrants on direct debit who have not yet returned their forms,' said a GOC spokeswoman.

'Around 5,000 registrants pay by direct debit, but all practitioners must complete, sign and return their forms to the GOC to be kept on the register from April 1.'

She said the forms had been redesigned to make them clearer and easier to use, and registrants were also being asked to provide some additional information to comply with changes to the Opticians Act.

All registrants must declare criminal convictions, provide details of health problems which might affect their ability to practise and show that they have indemnity insurance.

Forms and guidance notes can be downloaded from www.optical.org.

You can also telephone with any questions on 020 7580 3898, or email superinfo@optical.org