Welcome to the Optical Consumer Complaints Service (OCCS)

The Optical Consumer Complaints Service (OCCS) is an independent and free mediation service for consumers (patients) of optical care and the professionals providing that care. The service is funded by the General Optical Council who regulate opticians, optometrists and dispensing opticians.

All opticians and optometry practices will have their own internal complaints procedure to deal with any complaints raised by consumers. Most concerns are normally resolved informally. If a consumer and the optical practice cannot resolve the complaint within the practice, the Optical Consumer Complaints Service is here to help by offering mediation to find a resolution acceptable to both.

The service is provided by Nockolds, meaning that it is completely impartial and therefore each complaint is considered fairly and importantly for everyone involved, efficiently so that you can move on.

Latest Articles

April 1st 2025

Paul Chapman-Hatchett has joined the OCCS as our New Clinical Advisor Following the Retirement of Richard Edwards

Paul founded a domiciliary optical practice based in the South East of England in 1995, which grew into a nationwide chain of franchised domiciliary practices. As CEO, Paul used his professional and personal skills to…
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April 1st 2025

Taking My Prescription Elsewhere – What to Know

Once we have had our sight test and recommended to update those spectacles, what do we do? Do we stick with the testing optician or do we twist to an alternative, whether that be price…
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April 1st 2025

Return of the Tested Patient/External Prescription Dispense – What to Do

In these tough economic times, it is not surprising more people are looking to save costs on all purchases, including optical care. Consumers have many reasons to take their prescription elsewhere, whether this be choice…
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We are delighted that

The OCCS is seen as an effective and useful service