The General Optical Council (GOC) has confirmed its fees for the 2026/27 registration period, following approval at its Council meeting on 17 December. The main registration fee for optometrists and dispensing opticians will rise to £425—an increase of £10 (2.5%) on the previous year and below the September 2025 CPI inflation rate of 3.8%. Fees for students (£30) and registrants on low incomes (£290) will remain unchanged.
The regulator stated that it remains focused on improving operational efficiency and delivering value for money. Over the past year, the GOC has relocated to a smaller, more cost‑effective office, increased its use of digital technologies to drive productivity, and strengthened its in‑house legal and advocacy capacity, reducing reliance on external legal services. These measures have enabled the organisation to limit the main fee increase to below inflation and freeze fees for students and those on low incomes.
The GOC acknowledged the ongoing pressures of inflation and rising living costs on registrants and the businesses it regulates. However, it noted that inflationary increases in supplier contracts and higher employment costs have affected its ability to balance its budget, avoid deficits, and continue delivering its statutory functions while maintaining customer service standards.
According to the regulator, the below‑inflation rise in the main registration fee is necessary to ensure it can continue to meet its regulatory obligations and protect the public by upholding high standards in UK eye care.
Disclaimer: The accuracy and information of news stories published on this website is accurate on the date of publishing. We endeavour to update stories if information change. You can contact us with change and update requests. Where possible, we will link to sources. Content on this website is for guidance purposes only. We cannot accept any responsibility or liability whatsoever for any action taken, or not taken. You should seek the appropriate legal advice having regard to your own particular circumstances.
Restoration Courses
Courses suitable for any health and social care practitioner who is considering making an application for restoration back onto the register.
Insight & Remediation
Courses that are suitable for any healthcare practitioner who is facing an investigation or hearing at work or before their regulatory body.
Probity, Ethics & Professionalism
Courses designed for those facing a complaint involving in part or in whole honesty, integrity and /or professionalism.
Recent Comments