Trinidad & Tobago Opticians Registration Council

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Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about our services, process, and more—making it easier for you to get the information you need.

How often does the council meet? 
The council aims to meet every 6-8 weeks, but this can be subject to change depending on availability of the CMO.
Do all professional individuals (optometrist or dispensing optician) need to register with the TTORC before practicing?
YES. TTORC registration is mandatory prior to practicing as an optometrist or dispensing optician in Trinidad and Tobago. This is in accordance with the following sections of the Opticians Registration Act of Trinidad and Tobago: Section 14 (1) – whereby any person who not being an optometrist, either for or without reward, practises as an optometrist or takes or uses the name or title of optometrist, either alone or in combination with any other word or works or any name, title, addition or description, implying that he is an optometrist or that he is a person qualified to practise sight testing, is guilty of an offence Section 14 (2) – whereby any person who not being an optometrist or a dispensing optician either for or without reward, compounds or dispenses an ophthalmic prescription or takes or uses any name or title, addition or description implying or calculated to convey the impression that he is an optometrist or a dispensing optician is guilty of an offence.
Do all optical companies need to be registered with the TTORC before opening to the public?
YES. TTORC registration is mandatory for all companies wishing to provide optical services (eg: sight testing, spectacle dispensing, contact lens dispensing) prior to operating in Trinidad and Tobago. This is in accordance with Section 6 (3) of the Opticians Registration Act of Trinidad and Tobago – whereby every firm or company desirous of carrying on the business of providing ophthalmic or dispensing service is required to apply to be registered under this Act and any such firm or company engaging in such business without being so registered is guilty of an offence.
What are the fees for TTORC registration?
Registration fees are as follows: ● Optometrists/Dispensing Opticians: $100 ● Companies: $500
What are the fees for TTORC renewal?
Renewal fees are as follows: ● Optometrists: $300 TTD ● Dispensing Opticians : $200 TTD ● Companies : $1000 TTD
What is the difference between the TTORC renewal and TTORC registration?
TTORC registration is for newly qualified local optometrists and dispensing opticians, internationally qualified optometrists or dispensing opticians who wish to practice in Trinidad and Tobago, and newly formed optical companies. This is a one time process and fee that must be completed and paid in order to be entered into the register. TTORC renewal is for currently registered optometrists, dispensing opticians and companies. This is a mandatory, annual process and fee that must be completed and paid in order to remain on the register, and to be able to legally practice and conduct optical services in Trinidad and Tobago.  
When is TTORC renewal due?
TTTORC renewal begins on January 1st of every year, and the deadline is January 31st.  

I have forgotten to renew my registration for this year! How can I rectify this?
There is a grace period of two months (2) ie: until March 31st to make any outstanding payments. Once this has passed, a late fee of $250 applies in addition to the renewal fee.

 

I have forgotten to renew my registration for the last few years! How can I rectify this?
You will be able to renew your registration by submitting separate renewal forms for all missing registration years, in addition to the registration fee for each year, the late fee, and clearly labelled proof of payment for the aforementioned fees.
Fee calculation example:
Optometrist registration missed for 2023 and 2024
Late fee = $250
Renewal fee for 2023 = $300
Renewal fee for 2024 = $300

Total fees due: $850

I have forgotten to renew my registration, but I’m planning to pay all the fees soon. Can I still practice in the meantime?
NO. You cannot practice as an optometrist or dispensing optician OR operate as an optical company until your registration is up to date and you appear on the published registration list.
I have made all up to date payments but my name/company is not showing up on the registered list of professionals/companies. Why is that?
Your name/company may not be listed despite having made payments for the following reasons: 1. Although payments may have been made, you may not have submitted proof of payment eg: bank transfer slips or online transfer screenshots clearly marked with registrant/company name and type of fee. 2. You may not have submitted your registration form Once these can be provided, your name/company will be re-instated on the registered list of professionals/companies.

I was previously TTORC registered but I have migrated. I did not continue to renew my TTORC registration as I am no longer practicing in Trinidad and Tobago. I am now moving back to Trinidad and would like to re-register. How can I do this?
You can either do one of the following:
1. Apply for renewal and pay back fees for all years of registration missed to be re-instated on the register
2. Re-register as a new applicant following the registration procedure as outlined in the registration portal.