The General Optical Council (GOC) has removed 464 registrants who failed to renew their registration for 2009-10 from the Opticians Register.
The total removed comprises 183 optometrists, 191 dispensing opticians and 90 bodies corporate.
GOC registrar and chief executive, Dian Taylor reiterated that registration was critical to public protection, and therefore should not be taken lightly by registrants.
'Clearly, the majority of opticians are aware of the importance of maintaining their registration. However, those who have been removed must apply for restoration immediately if they wish to continue working.
'We have alerted employers, primary care organisations and professional bodies to the list of those registrants who are no longer eligible to practise,' she said.
The Council has warned that those stuck off must not practise or use any protected titles. The registration status of an individual or business can be checked on the GOC website.
To apply for restoration, practitioners must complete an application for restoration form, pay the £289 restoration fee and provide evidence of having completed the required minimum of CET in the past 12 months. Restoration forms are available from the GOC website (www.optical.org).