General Optical Council (GOC) registration

All optometry students must be registered with the General Optical Council (GOC) to begin the course.

The GOC form can be found on the GOC website: Students: registering with the GOC.

You must submit the form to the GOC as soon as possible. Failure to do so will mean that any work you do during the course will not count towards your degree. Furthermore, it is against the law not to be registered with the GOC.

Please note that the form asks you to provide a photograph that must be signed by someone who has known you for two years (not a member of your family), and that person also needs to sign the GOC form.

If you do not do this before you arrive at university, it will be very difficult for you to complete your registration, and you are likely to be withheld from taking part in some practical sessions.

You will be reimbursed by the University for the £30 registration fee. This is usually done within the first month of your studies.

GOC standards

You are reminded that students are subject to the GOC standards and procedures in addition to those of the University. Standards for optical students can be found on the GOC website: Standards for optical students.

You must familiarise yourself with these standards and comply with them at all times.

Patient confidentiality guidance and form

In accordance with the GOC standards for optical students, you have a duty to ensure confidentiality of patient information and to make the care of patients your first concern.

The optometry confidentiality guidance for students (PDF) will assist you in maintaining confidentiality. Before you arrive at university, you will need to read and familiarise yourself with this guidance. You will be asked to sign an online declaration during your first week.

Dress code

The way a student dresses sends a message to their patients, their fellow students and staff about their professionalism and their standards of care.

This dress code policy (PDF) is designed to assist in a high-quality educational approach to professionalism to ultimately improve the patient experience.

Before you arrive at university, you will need to read and familiarise yourself with the dress code. You will be asked to sign an online declaration during your first week.