Optical bodies applaud GOC retention fee cut

A warm reception was given by the optical bodies to the General Optical Council's (GOC) announcement that it is to reduce retention fees from 2011, while the Council has emphasised that the reduction will have no impact on its current schemes.

From 2011, retention fees for GOC registrants will fall to a flat rate of £270 for optometrists (OOs) and dispensing opticians (DOs), while those earning below £12,000 will pay just £170 a year (News 03.12.10).

Commenting on behalf of the Association of British Dispensing Opticians, which had been unfailingly outspoken over the issue of retention fees for its members, general secretary Sir Tony Garrett said: 'After the excessive rise in registration fees two years in succession, we are glad to see that the GOC has responded positively to our consistent lobbying during the past year.'