Restoration Frequently Asked Questions

This section should answer your questions about the restoration process. However, if youre still in doubt
please call the registration team on 020 7580 3898 option 1 or email superinfo@optical.org.

What happens if I am removed from the Register?

If you do not send us your correctly completed retention form and payment, or have failed to meet the Continuing Education and Training (CET) requirement by the 15 March deadline, your name will be removed from the register on 2 April. If you have already sent us a retention payment, but have not sent in your completed form or failed to achieve your CET points, we will refund this to you.

In order to continue practising as an optometrist or dispensing optician in the UK, you must correctly fill in an application for restoration form, pay the restoration fee and have earned and confirmed the correct number of CET points. If you continue to practise whilst unregistered, you are committing a criminal offence.

A list of registrants who have failed to apply for retention will be sent to Primary Care Trusts and professional bodies on 2 April. The registration status of an individual or business can also be checked by searching the registers.

What happens if the entry relating to a specialty is removed from my name in the Register?

You will not be able to practise that specialism. You must complete and return an application for restoration of a specialty form. You must receive confirmation from us that you have been returned to the specialty entry, before you can carry out any work or activities that are exclusive to that specialty.

How much is the restoration fee?

The fee for restoration is 239 for individuals and businesses. There is no fee to restore a specialty.

Who do I make the cheque payable to?

All cheques must be made payable to General Optical Council.

How many CET points do I need to restore?

You must be able to demonstrate that you have completed 12 general CET points in the 12 months immediately preceding the date of your restoration application.

If you are restoring a specialty, you must have evidence of having completed at least six relevant specialty CET points in the 12 months preceding the date of your application for restoration.

Once you have restored to the general register and/or your specialty entry, only those points gained after your date of restoration will count toward your final points total at the end of the next cycle, on 31 December 2009.

Can I fax a copy of the restoration form?

No, we cannot accept faxed copies of your form. All forms and payment must either be posted, or delivered in person, to: General Optical Council, 41 Harley Street, London W1G 8DJ.

How long will it take to process my application for restoration?

As long as your form has been filled out correctly, it will be processed within a day of us receiving it. If there are problems with your application it will be returned to you, or you will be contacted by one of our registration team.