About the Optical Registration Board

The Minister for Health, Leo Varadkar TD, confirmed in February 2015 the establishment of and appointment of members to the Optical Registration Board under the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 (amended) to regulate the profession of optometrists and dispensing opticians. On 31 October 2015 persons previously registered with The Opticians Board/Bord na Radharcmhastóirí saw their registration transfer automatically to the Optical Registration Board at CORU.

The register opened on 31 October 2015.

The Optical Registration Board at CORU has statutory responsibility for:

• Establishing and maintaining a Register of members of the professions
• Assessing, approving and monitoring training courses for the health and social care professions under the Act
• Establishing the Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics and standards of performance to which optometrists and dispensing opticians must adhere. 

The Optical Registration Board is the designated Competent Authority and is responsible for recognition of qualifications gained outside the State.