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Optical Store Operation
Operating an Optical Store
General Information
In order to operate an optical store in the Republic of Cyprus, one needs to obtain an Optical Store Licence by the Cyprus Optical Council, which operates under the auspices of the Ministry of Health.
The processing, production, installation and supply of optical items can only take place in licensed optical stores.
Application Submission
Who is Eligible
Every natural or legal person is eligible to obtain the Optical Store Licence, provided that the Cyprus Optical Council is satisfied that the following criteria are met:
- the store, for which the application is being submitted, will be established and operate within independent and self-sufficient premises;
- the manager of the optical store is a registered Optician or Technical Optician with the Cyprus Optical Council.
Where to Apply
The application for operating an Optical Store can be submitted either through the PSC Cyprus or by contacting directly the competent authority:
Cyprus Optical Council
1 Prodromou & 17 Chilonos
1448 Nicosia
Tel.:+357 22605418
Fax:+357 22772263
E-mail: echrysostomou@moh.gov.cy
Website: www.moh.gov.cy
Which Certificates must be Submitted
The application should be accompanied by the following documents:
- copy of the Certificate of Optician Registration of the owner and manager of the optical store.
Fees Applicable & How to Pay
Upon approval, the applicant needs to pay the registration fee of €34,17 (payable either by cash, cheque or bank transfer) to the Cyprus Optical Council.
The renewal fee is €34,17 (payable either by cash, cheque or bank transfer).
Decision Notification
The applicant is informed regarding the authorization decision within three months from the date that the application form and supporting documents were duly submitted.
Licence Validity Period
The licence is valid for one year from the date of issue. The renewal fee is €34,17 (payable either by cash, cheque or bank transfer).
Dispute with the Competent Authority's Decision
How to File an Administrative Action
Administrative Action Against a Competent Authority’s Decision
Any person may file an Administrative Action at the Administrative court against a decision, act or omission of any competent authority or body.
Pursuant to Article 146 of the Constitution, an Administrative Action may be lodged within 75 days from the date of the decision or act or omission or from the day when such decision or act or omission was notified to the applicant.
The Administrative Court acts as a cassation Court and not as a substantive Court. In other words, the Administrative Court may:
I. Dismiss the Administrative Action
II. Annul wholly or partially the contested decision or act
III. Compel the relevant authority or body to take a certain action
After a decision is annulled, the authority and/or public body must reverse things back to the state prior to when the concerned decision and/or act was executed and reexamine.
How to Appeal
Appeal Information
An Appeal may be filed against the Administrative Court’s first-instance decision within a period of 42 days from the date such a decision was given.
At the Supreme Court (Court of Appeal Section) hearing, the contested issue of the appeal remains the legality of the decision or act already adjudicated. However, such a revision of the legality of the decision or act is solely examined on the matters and the extent that the two parties have limited the reasons in the relevant notice of appeal.
The decision adopted by the Supreme Court is considered final in relation to the matter that has been judged.
Legislation & Obligations
Which Laws and Regulations Apply
What are my Obligations
Licensed optical stores are obliged to comply with the provisions of the Law regulating the practice of the profession of Opticians of 1992, as periodically amended.
Indicatively, a sign should be posted, in a conspicuous place within each licensed optical store, indicating the optical store’s licence number, the full name of the manager and the Registry to which the manager is registered.