General Optical Council
We are the regulator for the optical professions in the UK. Our statutory role is to protect and promote the health and safety of members of the public by promoting high standards of professional education, conduct and performance among our registrants. We currently register around 26,000 optometrists, dispensing opticians, student opticians and optical businesses.
Activities & Mission
We are the regulator for the optical professions in the UK. Our statutory role is to protect and promote the health and safety of members of the public by promoting high standards of professional education, conduct and performance among our registrants. We currently register around 26,000 optometrists, dispensing opticians, student opticians and optical businesses.
Areas of Operation
Where this charity is registered to operate, as self-declared to the Charity Commission. These are regulatory classifications, not a list of active programmes, and don't necessarily indicate fundraising activity in each location.
Country
Region
Financial Information
Financial Efficiency
Latest Financial Breakdown
Income Sources
Expenditure Categories
Financial Trend
Annual Returns
As filed with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Most recent filing covers the financial year ending 2025.
| Financial Year | Income | Expenditure | Charitable Spending | Net Assets | Reserves | Staff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | £12,176,749 | £13,110,337 | £13,062,000 | £7,995,000 | £7,995,000 | 112 / 0 |
| 2024 | £11,227,000 | £11,971,000 | £11,927,000 | £8,735,000 | £8,735,000 | 104 / 0 |
| 2023 | £10,340,000 | £10,538,000 | £10,494,000 | £8,857,000 | £8,857,000 | 102 / 0 |
| 2022 | £10,037,000 | £9,493,000 | £9,446,000 | £9,613,000 | £9,613,000 | 87 / 0 |
| 2021 | £11,681,000 | £8,593,000 | £8,550,000 | £8,627,000 | £8,627,000 | 83 / 0 |
Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers
Frequently asked questions about General Optical Council
What does General Optical Council do?
We are the regulator for the optical professions in the UK. Our statutory role is to protect and promote the health and safety of members of the public by promoting high standards of professional education, conduct and performance among our registrants. We currently register around 26,000 optometrists, dispensing opticians, student opticians and optical businesses.
How much income did General Optical Council report in 2025?
General Optical Council reported total income of £12.18m and reported expenditure of £13.11m for the financial year ending 2025, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.
When was General Optical Council registered as a charity?
General Optical Council was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 12 December 2012 as charity number 1150137. It has been registered for 14 years.
Who runs General Optical Council?
General Optical Council is governed by a board of 12 trustees. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.
Where does General Optical Council operate?
General Optical Council operates across 3 areas: Northern Ireland, Scotland and England And Wales.
Is General Optical Council a registered charity?
Yes — General Optical Council is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 1150137.
Details
Part Floor 29, 1 Canada Square
LONDON
E14 5AA
Registry Information
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Also governs 1 other charity
Also governs 2 other charities
Data & trust
- Register data refreshed
- 14 May 2026
- Methodology
- How metrics are calculated