If you’re an internationally trained optometrist preparing to qualify in the UK, the GOC (General Optical Council) interview is a critical step in your journey. It’s the bridge between your current experience and the next stage: pre-registration training and eventually practicing as a UK-registered optometrist. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what to expect in the GOC interview and how to prepare so you walk in confident and ready.

What Is the GOC Interview?

The GOC interview is a clinical and professional assessment carried out by the General Optical Council. It's designed to determine if your qualifications and experience align with UK optometry standards. This assessment will determine:

• Whether you're eligible to move straight into pre-reg training (Scheme for Registration)

• If you need to complete an adaptation or bridging course

• Or if your current qualifications fall short of UK requirements
  

It typically involves a panel of assessors, including clinical experts and GOC representatives, who will review your submitted documentation and question you based on your clinical experience and competence across the eight GOC core domains.

What to Expect in the Interview

The interview typically lasts around 45–60 minutes and follows a structured format:

1. Introduction and Verification

You’ll be welcomed and asked to confirm your identity. Panel members will introduce themselves and explain the structure of the interview.

2. Review of Clinical Experience

The assessors will discuss your professional background, work settings, and clinical scope of practice. Be ready to clarify your role in specific patient care scenarios.

3. Competency-Based Questions

You will be assessed across the eight GOC core competencies:

• Communication

• Professional Conduct

• Methods of Ocular Examination

• Assessment of Visual Function

• Assessment and Management of Binocular Vision

• Contact Lenses

• Ocular Disease

• Use of Optical Appliances

Expect questions like:

• "Describe a time you managed a patient with sudden vision loss."

• "How do you explain refractive error to a non-English-speaking patient?"

• "What steps do you take to ensure infection control in your clinic?"

4. UK Standards and Clinical Judgement

Assessors may present a clinical scenario and ask how you would manage it in the UK context. They want to see whether you understand UK guidelines and patient management protocols.

5. Ethics and Professionalism

You may be asked to discuss how you handle issues like consent, safeguarding, record-keeping, or complaints—areas where UK expectations can differ from other countries.

How to Prepare for the GOC Interview

Here are key preparation steps that have helped many international optometrists succeed:

1. Know the 8 GOC Core Competencies Inside Out

Familiarize yourself with how your own experience maps to each competency. Use examples from your practice that demonstrate your clinical reasoning, communication, and decision-making.

2. Prepare Case-Based Responses

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers to clinical and ethical questions. Practice explaining:

• A challenging diagnosis

• A difficult patient encounter

• How you referred or co-managed a patient

3. Understand UK Clinical Expectations

Study guidelines from the College of Optometrists and NHS protocols. Key areas include:

• Referral thresholds

• Communication expectations

• Infection control

• Safeguarding policies

4. Practice Mock Interviews

Rehearse with a mentor or join a GOC interview prep program. A mock interview helps you:

• Identify weak spots

• Build confidence

• Refine how you present your clinical thinking

5. Reflect on Your Professional Practice

The GOC wants to see that you're self-aware and committed to safe, ethical practice. Be prepared to reflect on your strengths, areas of growth, and what you've learned from experience.

Bonus Tips for Interview Day

• Dress professionally and arrive early (or log in early if it’s virtual)

• Keep a calm, clear tone and don’t rush your answers

• If unsure, ask the panel to clarify the question

• Use UK-specific terms when describing clinical practices (e.g., "referral to ophthalmology via GP" rather than just "referral")

Final Thoughts

The GOC interview is not designed to trick you – it’s designed to confirm your readiness to train and work safely within the UK system. With the right preparation, you can showcase your clinical skills, professional insight, and readiness to make a smooth transition.

Want expert help preparing for your GOC interview? Book a mock interview or download our GOC Interview Success Kit to get started.

Book Your Mock Interview Now