http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_listing.cfm http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=E30DBFDF-36D8-4BE0-9DCD0E270BD26A38 News from the 26 January 2012 meeting of Council - new FTP Rules, CET update and 2012/13 budget - 30 January 2012 News Mon, 30 Jan 2012 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=696395D0-272E-4688-A2BCFF73BF97EC57 Optometrists, dispensing opticians and optical businesses can now renew their GOC registration for 2012/13 - press release - 6 January 2011 News Fri, 06 Jan 2012 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=78A8643C-6377-4DAB-A681FC1171B8CD19 The General Optical Council (GOC) is today launching guidance targeted at optical employers, to explain what they should do if they have concerns about a GOC registrant's fitness to practise - press release - 30 November News Wed, 30 Nov 2011 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=44160C88-C248-4AFA-8CDE51270AA9755E The General Optical Council (GOC) has now published its 2010-11 Annual Report. It is available online from http://annualreport10-11.optical.org - press release - 28 November 2011 News Mon, 28 Nov 2011 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=0614FDFD-2AF2-461C-A30BAE914CA1E325 The General Optical Council (GOC) has launched an improved facility for the public to check their optometrist or dispensing optician is registered - press release - 28 November 2011 News Mon, 28 Nov 2011 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=8FB28BAB-615C-4643-8CAF25B9BE7F73E6 The General Optical Council (GOC) has today announced that it is cutting registration fees for the second year running - press release - 25 November News Fri, 25 Nov 2011 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=470CFA06-DF63-48C1-A5CF7D69390EF7E4 We have been made aware of registrants receiving bogus voicemail messages, claiming to be from the GOC - 7 November 2011 News Mon, 07 Nov 2011 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=7745FF03-8F1B-4790-A69CB673E7267170 The General Optical Council (GOC) has announced that Mandie Lavin has been appointed as its interim director of regulation - press release - 3 October 2011 News Mon, 03 Oct 2011 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=F3EF877C-F007-4B0B-AF28400B11A428E5 At the September meeting of Council, members approved new rules that will underpin the GOC's Fitness to Practise (FTP) proceedings - news - 30 September 2011 News Fri, 30 Sep 2011 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=8AEAAA43-1CCF-485D-A72FF602B8AB6869 Council members considered the Law Commission's review of the legal framework for UK healthcare regulators - 30 September 2011 News Fri, 30 Sep 2011 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=43572564-D383-4E93-8460962956CB8B22 Contract Notice for a Scheme Administrator for GOC Continuing Education and Training (CET) Scheme News Wed, 28 Sep 2011 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=EB31129B-EE95-497F-8A496568C8BCD752 We recently replied to the European Commission's consultation on modernising the Professional Qualifications Directive News Wed, 28 Sep 2011 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=52D48867-C8C0-4EA6-A59BBFE3C08354DB A team of General Optical Council (GOC) staff are hoping to raise thousands of pounds for research into sight-threatening conditions when they embark on Fight for Sight?s 15 mile Carrots Nightwalk on 23 September - press release - 2 September 2011 News Fri, 02 Sep 2011 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=DE93346D-1804-4AFD-913E5D592B2C840F The General Optical Council (GOC) has removed 217 students from its registers for failing to renew their registration for 2011-12 - press release - 2 September 2011 News Fri, 02 Sep 2011 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=70D27264-8D0B-4CB1-980BB9571BE04911 The General Optical Council (GOC) has appointed Selina Ullah as its new lay member of Council - press release - 10 August 2011 News Wed, 10 Aug 2011 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=324EF52A-2872-4E87-A2AC9A8CF0113F78 David Howell has been appointed chief executive and registrar of the General Chiropractic Council (GCC). He will leave his post as General Optical Council (GOC) director of regulatory services on 1 November 2011 - press release - 1 August 2011 News Mon, 01 Aug 2011 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=4B81EA29-8F14-4876-92C8903D3F924444 News from our Council meeting on 28 July, including updates on criminal prosecutions, CHRE's efficiency review and our financial position. News Fri, 29 Jul 2011 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=AF8C9C99-B0C1-4210-A8FB6F4051422ADF The General Optical Council (GOC) has published new guidance for students, and potential students, with disabilities who wish to become an optician - press release - 28 July 2011 News Thu, 28 Jul 2011 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=C4CB1FAA-60BF-4781-929D557B0173523E The deadline for student optometrists and dispensing opticians to renew their General Optical Council (GOC) registration has now passed, with the regulator reporting a large increase in the proportion of students applying on time - press release - 19 July 2011 News Tue, 19 Jul 2011 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=883DF816-22F4-4387-9979FA2D4F7DE3D4 Places are now available for Fight for Sight's brand new sponsored event - the Carrots Nightwalk! News Tue, 12 Jul 2011 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=37366C0B-392E-4C3D-8DC8D38E77AAA992 The General Optical Council (GOC) has been recognised as an 'effective regulator'. In its annual review of the nine regulators it oversees, the Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence (CHRE) praised the GOC's performance in standards, education, registration and fitness to practise - press release - 5 July 2011 News Tue, 05 Jul 2011 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=007E1395-034B-4ADF-8E95C5EF4B49CC9E The GOC has granted Plymouth University provisional approval to run an optometry degree course. Up to 36 students will be allowed to start the course in September. News Thu, 30 Jun 2011 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=59374588-E7D1-4DE4-86D09D7203056D78 The 15 July deadline for student optometrists and dispensing opticians to renew their General Optical Council (GOC) registration is fast approaching - press release - 28 June 2011 News Tue, 28 Jun 2011 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=9D53F48D-CD3C-43F9-A18726C7D45CE0D5 People could be putting their sight at risk by wearing illegally sold cosmetic contact lenses, warns a new booklet published by the General Optical Council (GOC) - press release - 17 June 2011 News Fri, 17 Jun 2011 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=465CBBFB-B8DD-4A6D-98E71D480539CAC7 GOC registrants have given the thumbs-up to the regulator?s new online retention system in a recent survey - press release - 10 June 2011 News Fri, 10 Jun 2011 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=183ED0D3-CC76-402A-9F9136F7B29FC64F This week is National Eye Health Week. Once again, eye care charities, organisations and health professionals from across the UK are joining together to promote the importance of eye health and the need for regular sight tests for all. News Mon, 06 Jun 2011 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=A0B2E477-7B93-46B5-90D9E4072F72F1DF The General Optical Council (GOC) has published a new protocol explaining how it will deal with breaches of the Opticians Act. The Protocol for the investigation and prosecution of criminal offences sets out when and how the GOC will deal with individuals and businesses it suspects of breaking the law - press release - 3 June 2011 News Fri, 03 Jun 2011 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=3E0B0021-E53C-47DA-8C2CDF6948805894 You can now get all the latest GOC news by following us on Twitter. You can also ask us questions or provide feedback on our work. Follow us at www.twitter.com/goc_uk News Thu, 02 Jun 2011 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=4224A02F-6CBF-4011-9928DD6D9BC82AA5 Would you like to help shape the future of UK optical regulation? We're looking for a lay member to join our Council who can demonstrate senior level experience in patient safety or advocacy, or public involvement. - press release - 20 May 2011 News Fri, 20 May 2011 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=02E1B267-1F72-4A9B-A6A4E5623442F50A First report from new CEO; the revised protocol on criminal investigations and prosecutions; and the CHRE presents to Council. - press release - 19 May 2011 News Thu, 19 May 2011 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=E0E092BA-8299-4779-95E0F02429CA8493 Optometry and dispensing optics students can now renew their General Optical Council (GOC) registration online for the first time. All students must renew by the 15 July deadline or risk being removed from the registers - press release - 3 May 2011 News Tue, 03 May 2011 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=8269FE2B-66CE-441C-AE110FA964C11BC6 Almost 95 per cent of individual registrants completed their retention online for the first time this year - press release 5 April 2011 - News Tue, 05 Apr 2011 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=3DD7C1D4-33EA-4BCE-A1E1E8A697AEEFB0 News from our 24 March Council meeting including the structure of future public meetings, budgets and support for Council members from the devolved administrations. News Fri, 25 Mar 2011 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=C456C348-A782-4968-9502F9213946581F The GOC retention deadline has now passed, with the Council reporting an increase in the percentage of registrants who applied by the 15 March cutoff date - news release - 16 March 2011 News Wed, 16 Mar 2011 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=A2DBF4D1-43A4-4252-884C20ACFE31F708 The GOC leaflet 'Check your optician is registered' is available now for patients and members of the public from information stands in 7,000 GP surgeries and 1,200 pharmacies across the UK. - press release - 23 February 2011 News Wed, 23 Feb 2011 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=6EE89C0A-8B2E-4F60-A6B3999ECA4B8644 The General Optical Council (GOC) is seeking feedback from the profession and the public on potential changes to its Fitness to Practise (FTP) rules. The Council has launched a consultation, closing on 29 April, to invite opinions on the proposed new regulations - press release - 14 February 2011. News Mon, 14 Feb 2011 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=687708A0-475B-4304-8AB494B871594219 The No Smoking Day charity are asking opticians to support the campaign to help raise awareness of the impact smoking can have on the eyes - 2 February 2011. News Wed, 02 Feb 2011 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=19AAFF06-957C-4395-959607160587B185 News from our 27 January Council meeting including an update on online retention, changes to the Fitness to Practise process and criminal prosecutions. News Fri, 28 Jan 2011 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=2EC32D62-435F-491E-9DDD877CF9B5BB3A The General Optical Council is delighted to announce the appointment of Samantha Peters as its new Chief Executive and Registrar. Samantha, who is expected to take up the position effective 28 March 2011, will replace Satjit Singh, the interim Chief Executive and Registrar - press release - 24 January 2011 News Mon, 24 Jan 2011 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=B1E5CF9E-FFE3-4E80-9371A1A38ADD0EB8 The first 1,000 registrants to renew their 2011/12 GOC registration have now successfully applied for retention using the regulator's new MyGOC online system - press release - 11 January 2011 News Tue, 11 Jan 2011 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=AC9A1ED9-43FC-499E-9E0363EFF85F52D0 The Appointments Commission has appointed Anna Bradley as permanent Chair of the General Optical Council (GOC). She has been interim Chair since 3 June 2010 - press release - 20 December 2010 News Mon, 20 Dec 2010 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=BEAEE2E6-C284-4F54-98892F02BB30F61B The GOC today announces that the retention fees for 2011-12 will be £270 for all fully-qualified registrants and bodies corporate. Subject to unforeseen circumstances, we intend to hold retention fees level for a period of three years, based on a lower budget forecast - press release - 25 November 2010 News Thu, 25 Nov 2010 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=01AE8EFF-3F7E-41FC-AAD0C6B3F6BCE9D9 The GOC has today announced that it is restructuring the organisation to ensure it is best placed to deliver its five year strategic plan, published in April this year - press release - 12 November 2010 News Fri, 12 Nov 2010 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=02851FBB-5ACC-4C50-A7B7B2D8A3B19C08 We are now recruiting for a new Chief Executive and Registrar. For more information, please visit the 'working for us' page. News Fri, 12 Nov 2010 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=4D9741D8-FD9C-48AE-8E069270B5C04E21 The General Optical Council (GOC) has now published its 2009-10 Annual Report. It is available online from http://annualreport09-10.optical.org News Wed, 10 Nov 2010 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=178B9EA9-537B-44DA-B7BC7C7114A9BB75 Satjit Singh has joined the GOC as interim Chief Executive and Registrar. Satjit's biography is available from the senior management team page of the website. News Mon, 04 Oct 2010 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=6E9F2D30-72A8-4031-AC48CE62A3A04CFC A summary of news from our Council meeting on 23 September including the consideration of a low income retention fee, revalidation proposals and how fitness to practise information should be displayed on our registers. News Mon, 27 Sep 2010 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=886D1D4F-6FDE-4FD6-A8327AA040D21AD9 The General Optical Council (GOC) has today announced that after 20 years' loyal and committed service, Dian Taylor, GOC Chief Executive and Registrar has decided to leave to pursue her career in pastures new - news release - 16 September News Thu, 16 Sep 2010 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=D225E62B-03D5-4CDC-B13FFE5937036607 The General Optical Council (GOC) has today removed 386 student optometrists and dispensing opticians from its registers, for failing to renew their registration for 2010-11 - press release - 13 September 2010 News Fri, 03 Sep 2010 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=DD3F8E9C-2025-42A2-B327BB732B664078 The GOC has responded to AOP and ABDO comments made in the Optician and Optometry Today journals - news - 19 August News Fri, 20 Aug 2010 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=E3850B9A-2D40-4000-90BA77A88F9D97A3 The 15 July retention deadline has now passed. Students who have not yet renewed their registration must pay an additional £10 late application fee. Students who do not apply by 31 August risk removal from the registers. News Mon, 02 Aug 2010 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=3BB923D2-663A-49E1-B6B5CF3BEE660E27 The Department of Health announced last week in a written statement that it would not pursue further plans to transfer the adjudication of fitness to practise cases for the General Medical Council (GMC) and the General Optical Council (GOC) to the Office of the Health Professions Adjudicator (OHPA) - press release - 2 August News Mon, 02 Aug 2010 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=FAEA569A-952C-4D6F-AC14E94C5CF1555C At the 15 July deadline, 78 per cent of optometry and dispensing optics students had successfully applied to renew their General Optical Council (GOC) registration. When compared to last year, this represents a 3 per cent decrease in the percentage of students who have missed the deadline - press release - 19 July 2010 News Mon, 19 Jul 2010 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=C3126B78-22BD-439B-A6843E79521A189E The General Optical Council (GOC) has 'performed well' throughout 2009-10, according the CHRE's (Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence) annual performance review - press release - 2 July 2010 News Fri, 02 Jul 2010 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=6C5C806A-BFF1-45C6-B561DEAE3D38607C The GOC is inviting all CET providers to suggest and discuss improvements to its CET scheme at an event in Birmingham on 30 July - press release - 28 June 2010 News Mon, 28 Jun 2010 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=E197D0D1-EFDB-453F-AF52793F021034AF One in three people with a learning disability might also have a sight problem - but for thousands this will go undiagnosed, the country's main sight loss charity is warning. News Mon, 28 Jun 2010 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=706A8445-0E30-4D65-986AE772144AE19A A summary of news from our Council meeting on 17 June, including our accounts, progress on revalidation and revisions to our competencies. News Tue, 22 Jun 2010 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=7A0FA9C4-1220-4F6B-BC3526D5561DF785 The General Optical Council (GOC) has today launched an online registration toolkit designed to help fully-registered optometrists, dispensing opticians and optical businesses promote their registered status to patients and the public - press release - 14 June News Mon, 14 Jun 2010 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=81CAD189-C828-42E0-8E8B382927AAA6F0 THE UK eyecare sector is joining forces with charities, health care commissioners and professionals to launch the first ever National Eye Health Week. News Fri, 11 Jun 2010 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=B7978BAF-99B3-42DA-A4F9E9F103B0351D The General Optical Council (GOC) has today launched a consultation to ask: how accessible should fitness to practise (FTP) information about registrants be? - press release - 7 June 2010 News Mon, 07 Jun 2010 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=1474592B-54DD-4C59-B3E0EA433A212526 The General Optical Council (GOC) has today announced Geoff Harris's resignation from his position on Council. Geoff is currently Council Chair - press release - 2 June News Wed, 02 Jun 2010 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=71F7BD48-D0F4-41FA-AC72C34B3241AE85 The General Optical Council (GOC) has begun its annual countdown to the 15 July student retention deadline. Retention forms for 2010-11 have been sent to all optometry and dispensing optics students - press release - 10 May 2010 News Mon, 10 May 2010 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=AF38013E-540A-4F85-94C78731954CC8B7 The General Optical Council (GOC) is advertising to fill four remaining places on its statutory committees - press release - 4 May News Tue, 04 May 2010 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=6FB633AE-0880-4583-93033703F3D15BD3 The General Optical Council (GOC) is looking for volunteers to join two new Stakeholder Reference Groups. Each group will be made up of 12 members. Patients and members of the public will form one group, and optical professionals such as registrants, ophthalmologists and representatives of the optical bodies will form the other - press release - 30 April 2010 News Fri, 30 Apr 2010 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=728B7B2A-9B27-4DCA-851A2B7F0CFB86BB In the latest phase of its consultation on revalidation, the General Optical Council (GOC) is asking whether a 'licence to practise' should be used as part of a revalidation scheme for optometrists and dispensing opticians. - press release - 23 April 2010 News Fri, 23 Apr 2010 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=D76BDEB2-184C-4EC9-A701B0CB5701ECF0 The General Optical Council (GOC) has today announced the names of 15 new Committee members who have been approved to sit on its statutory Standards and Education Committees - press release - 12 April News Mon, 12 Apr 2010 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=F865541F-F644-4CB5-AC387F17AA25651F The General Optical Council (GOC) has today removed 210 opticians from its registers for failing to apply for 2010-11 retention - press release - 7 April News Wed, 07 Apr 2010 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=BC8D9088-835D-421E-85B2E185012B9D6A The General Optical Council (GOC) is exhibiting at this year?s Optometry Tomorrow conference, hosted by the College of Optometrists - press release - 1 April News Thu, 01 Apr 2010 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=0BBDCD3E-F073-4BBD-BF0E5190E516456F Removals from the General Optical Council's registers following the end of this year's retention process will be made on 6 April. Current GOC registration will remain valid up to and including 5 April - news release - 1 April 2010 News Thu, 01 Apr 2010 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=828BABF3-7E28-4CCC-B74203BFEA05E7F6 The final deadline for retention of full individual and body corporate registration for 2010/11 has now passed - news release - 31 March News Wed, 31 Mar 2010 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=C944E68E-2898-49EA-BE24C47D802C4DD4 The Office of the Health Professions Adjudicator (OHPA) has today announced its decision to hold fitness to practise hearings in both London and Manchester - news release - 31 March News Wed, 31 Mar 2010 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=2AD7758D-E8BB-4BDD-91068A400C61ADF9 The General Optical Council (GOC) has today published independent research that suggests an 'enhanced version of CET' could form part of the revalidation scheme for optometrists and dispensing opticians. News Mon, 29 Mar 2010 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=555509A2-505D-4F0D-ADD41347E99860AB The deadline for retention forms and payments has now passed. In total, 90.4 per cent of registrants successfully applied for retention by the 15 March deadline - news release - 15 March News Thu, 18 Mar 2010 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=9D6FED1A-9B85-4BBE-84F49A8CAB41270A The GOC will support UK eyecare in delivering high-quality care, modernise its functions and engage with its stakeholders, under its new five-year strategy for 2010-15 - press release - 15 March 2010 News Mon, 15 Mar 2010 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=E009C3BE-E7FF-451D-810766DA54667214 Increasing numbers of women and practitioners of Asian ethnic origin are entering the optical professions, according to new equality and diversity data released today by the General Optical Council (GOC) - press release - 15 March News Mon, 15 Mar 2010 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=EF409B03-4A28-49E7-AEEB90813D2132A3 The AOP has advised members to check their retention status. Follow this link to access the registrants area and check your status online. News Fri, 12 Mar 2010 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=E5FD30FF-0226-41FC-AD2EE6868436EC76 The retention deadline for all fully-registered optometrists and dispensing opticians is just one week away - news release - 9 March News Tue, 09 Mar 2010 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=2FBE5995-F6D2-41D7-806DE261B2FDCD67 The General Optical Council (GOC) has today been praised by the Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence (CHRE) in relation to its processes for investigating complaints about registrants' fitness to practise - press release - 1 March News Mon, 01 Mar 2010 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=9C9A6828-0707-47C5-93056A2B34A3BA05 GOC sets strategy for 2010-15; members approve business priorities and 2010-11 budget; GOC outlines proposals for two Stakeholder Reference Groups; and more news from Council. News Fri, 26 Feb 2010 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=9D135432-4304-4E1C-885405B975F1391F Stephen Shaw CBE has been appointed as the first chief executive of the Office of the Health Professions Adjudicator (OHPA), the Department of Health announced today - news release -18 February News Thu, 18 Feb 2010 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=BD05CB71-AA65-4937-8A914490DE7C77C5 The University of Aberdeen, Health Economics Research Unit (HERU) is hosting a conference on "Informing difficult decisions: The role of health economics in eyes and vision research" (see www.abdn.ac.uk/heru for further information - top right of page) News Wed, 17 Feb 2010 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=A7E38260-905F-4309-912FA2EDD3BEE6BE Following a successful 2007-09 CET cycle, the GOC is now looking at how the CET scheme can be improved overall, and how it will form part of revalidation from 2013 - press release - 15 February 2010. News Mon, 15 Feb 2010 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=6CFE41A2-C1F2-454F-96C8DA7F6BBF31F2 Retention forms are available for download in the Registrants area. Please log in to access your form. News Wed, 10 Feb 2010 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=813CB773-188A-44E0-9A5679C310BB1896 All full GOC registrants have just five weeks left until the 15 March retention deadline - press release - 8 February News Mon, 08 Feb 2010 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=0EA952A2-B1CE-4C5F-837056EA098B47A9 The General Optical Council (GOC) has today announced the names of 14 new Committee members who have been approved to sit on its statutory Registration and Investigation Committees - press release - 29 January News Fri, 29 Jan 2010 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=DB527FDA-7EBB-4C02-BC374EEB768F2C14 The General Optical Council (GOC) is holding an event on 16 February to discuss implications of the new Code of Conduct for Individual Registrants, and what patients can expect when they visit their optician. News Mon, 11 Jan 2010 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=B1DF5A53-1547-42C7-967DC6B99FA2000F The General Optical Council (GOC) is hosting five consultation events around the UK to hear feedback from patients, the public, registrants, employers, other regulators and stakeholders on its revalidation proposals - press release - 5 January 2010 News Tue, 05 Jan 2010 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=4D5A058C-20AA-4C1E-BACE291A6D7B2675 The Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence (CHRE) is holding a series of six interactive public meetings in March - news - 5 January 2010 News Tue, 05 Jan 2010 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=22379B14-ABD2-4F0B-825AC23B57A6A9BF The General Optical Council (GOC) has today announced that 96 per cent of registrants achieved their Continuing Education and Training (CET) minimum requirement by the 31 December 2009 deadline - press release - 5 January News Tue, 05 Jan 2010 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=C83BC851-2046-493F-85D6ABAFAE7BEF9A The GOC is aware of a printing error on the return envelopes enclosed with the retention packs which were recently sent to registrants. Registrants are advised to continue to use the envelopes enclosed in their packs - news - 24 December 2009 News Thu, 24 Dec 2009 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=E353AC1C-8645-4FE6-8FA4698748F88E13 The GOC offices will be closed between 24 December 2009 and 4 January 2010. If you have a CET-related query please contact Vantage Technologies on 08432 085487, by email at admin@cetoptics.com or alternatively you can find more information about the CET requirements at www.cetoptics.com - news - 21 December 2009 News Mon, 21 Dec 2009 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=17D43D5B-7CC3-4C1E-92FC88C259208067 The General Optical Council (GOC) has today sent out retention application packs to all fully-registered optometrists and dispensing opticians who have completed their CET requirements for the current cycle - press release - 11 December News Fri, 11 Dec 2009 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=D4F9DD9D-DC61-4776-A5FF70F93E164954 The General Optical Council (GOC) has today launched 'phase two' of a consultation that will help to determine the Council's work priorities for 2010-15 - news release -8 December 2009 News Tue, 08 Dec 2009 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=AAC6BB12-1573-44D6-94273B850E317CF2 The General Optical Council (GOC) has today issued a final call to all registrants who have not yet earned their minimum CET points requirement to do so by the 31 December 2009 deadline - press release - 7 December 2009 News Mon, 07 Dec 2009 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=B07709BF-20AA-4D92-A1BB77A269A73335 From today, optometrists who have qualified to independently prescribe medicines for ocular conditions can apply to join the GOC's new Independent Prescribing (IP) speciality register - news - 1 December 2009 News Tue, 01 Dec 2009 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=3F1EC7AE-855E-44D0-919589A01C8B21D3 ABDO issued an email to its members stating that 'the GOC has once again refused to allow registrants who need to, to pay in two instalments'. We would like to clarify that this is not the case - news - 19 November 2009 News Thu, 19 Nov 2009 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=8AC37EC0-AA0F-4A7F-979A7D182F4025BF Draft strategy for 2010-15 approved, new codes of conduct approved, budget for 2010-11 and more news from Council - news - 18 November 2009 News Wed, 18 Nov 2009 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=2A271B78-8B45-4DDB-BC4B6268110187BE The College of Optometrists has issued calls for nomination to Council for 2010. There are a total of eighteen vacancies across nine regions, and practising members in each of these regions are encouraged to stand - news - 16 November 2009 News Tue, 17 Nov 2009 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=619313CC-65EE-41AC-AF5EF6E22445CD78 The Department of Health, the General Medical Council (GMC) and the General Optical Council (GOC) today welcomed the appointments of Andrew Colquhoun and Pamela Charlwood as the first two non-executive directors of the new Office of the Health Professions Adjudicator (OHPA) - news - 23 October 2009 News Fri, 23 Oct 2009 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=C5E927F2-BE0E-48EB-B4FCBDF05C493297 The General Optical Council (GOC) is today urging fully-registered practitioners to make sure they are on track to earn their minimum Continuing Education and Training (CET) requirement by the 31 December deadline - press releases - 12 October 2009 News Mon, 12 Oct 2009 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=F2FF50BB-44CD-456B-93D6D776EBDAAF11 The General Optical Council (GOC) has today launched its first ever online Annual Report - press release - 21 September News Mon, 21 Sep 2009 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=AC8D6661-3356-4F2F-963064D5303EB9A9 The General Optical Council (GOC) has launched a recruitment drive for up to 50 individuals to sit on its statutory committees. Positions on committees are open to optometrists, dispensing opticians, ophthalmologists and lay people. News Mon, 14 Sep 2009 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=A62EF412-A36B-47D3-86A4AF1937227CD5 The General Optical Council (GOC) has today removed a total of 354 students from its student registers for failing to renew their registration for 2009-10 - press release - 2 September 2009 News Wed, 02 Sep 2009 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=F486F4DD-11DC-4A4D-BE67251543582C4C Please note that the Opticians Registers will not be updating with any changes from 5pm 25 August until 5pm 27 August - news - 25 August News Tue, 25 Aug 2009 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=1224DEE2-3192-43C2-A14E23101B089BD5 The General Optical Council (GOC) is hosting a series of consultation events to find out how the Opticians Registers can be improved for employers, patients and the public, and registrants - press release - 24 August News Mon, 24 Aug 2009 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=A5B0270A-CE1F-410E-ACFAA52FD0B49AB0 The Eye Health Alliance, of which the GOC is a member, has gained further support within the optical world. Its membership has now expanded to include SeeAbility, its 10th member. News Thu, 13 Aug 2009 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=E916C1D4-C3AC-43EC-8B746E4A1B069EEF The General Optical Council (GOC) has this week launched a consultation on the guidance to be used by its Investigation Committee (IC), when deciding what action to take in respect of fitness to practise complaints against GOC registrants - press release - 12 August 2009 News Wed, 12 Aug 2009 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=30661749-DC5C-4095-B54A81277D51F85E The deadline for student retention has now passed. Overall, 3,515 students successfully renewed their GOC registration by the deadline - news release - 21 July News Tue, 21 Jul 2009 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=1F476DB0-3D29-4174-86407AF8E53DB06E The General Optical Council (GOC) today launches a consultation on possible changes to the structure of retention and registration fees - press release - 17 July News Fri, 17 Jul 2009 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=617C5B4D-EFFE-4512-A92C26C2AA177EF1 The General Optical Council (GOC) has been judged to meet performance standards by the Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence (CHRE) - press release - 7 July News Mon, 06 Jul 2009 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=E1A896CD-10EA-461F-B024AB90F3EFC3F5 Members approve 2008-9 financial accounts, Council agrees way forward to recruit GOC committees, Equality and diversity progress report - news - 4 July News Mon, 06 Jul 2009 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=C5F88C3E-E044-4F54-8131971E4ED596EA The GOC today warned thousands of optometry and dispensing optics students to renew their registration by 15 July or face a late penalty fee - press release - 29 June News Tue, 30 Jun 2009 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=709DDD56-A9F9-45DC-86845FE64627F2EF The General Optical Council (GOC) is today reminding all optical businesses, students and supervisors to ensure their current arrangements for professional supervision of students meet the requirements outlined by the GOC, and examination or assessment bodies - press release - 30 June News Tue, 30 Jun 2009 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=0F2BBB05-ED61-46F9-BF6855B30CF089B4 Well over a million people in the UK have some level of learning disability. Even though people with learning disabilities are more likely to have problems with their eyesight, many struggle to access the eyecare they need. News Mon, 22 Jun 2009 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=ADBAE882-5BBD-490F-A8A4AFAA54CCC747 The General Optical Council (GOC) has today launched a consultation on its proposed Welsh Language Scheme - press release - 5 June News Fri, 05 Jun 2009 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=388BDA0D-07BA-4D5F-B047D667C915FFD1 The International Glaucoma Association (IGA) is urging patients to resist the temptation of putting off having a regular sight test during the credit crunch - news - 3 June News Wed, 03 Jun 2009 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=E7C9786B-A973-49CE-BCDAC31BB6515918 NHS Fraud Awareness Month runs throughout June, and is designed to create a lasting anti-fraud culture within the NHS - news - 3 June News Wed, 03 Jun 2009 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=8E68508B-8F82-4CBE-ADB5EF3988E71A53 The General Optical Council (GOC) is reminding all student registrants to apply for retention by 15 July 2009, or face a late application penalty - news release - 19 May News Tue, 19 May 2009 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=5834E233-212D-4A4F-ADE4ADEA70F15521 The British Contact Lens Association (BCLA) and the General Optical Council (GOC) are today urging Britain's 3.5 million contact lens wearers not to endanger their eye health and comfort during the recession through risky contact lens practices - press release - 18 May News Mon, 18 May 2009 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=D3AD9FF2-53F8-476B-864F22A4C484C5FF The General Optical Council (GOC) has today launched an open consultation on its five-year strategy - press release - 15 May 2009 News Fri, 15 May 2009 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=39402633-5DE6-4DC3-8B55554B366F8314 It has come to our attention that a number of optical practices have received calls from individuals claiming to be phoning from the General Optical Council, asking for employee details - news - 22 April 2009 News Wed, 22 Apr 2009 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=5A807F64-E340-4533-8F2C87F7E99C8891 The General Optical Council (GOC) published its Consultation Framework today, outlining the regulator's commitment to giving stakeholders a say in future policy changes - news - 8 April News Wed, 08 Apr 2009 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=62B66E65-8B0B-4375-81A801EF091DBBC5 A small number of registrants were wrongly included in the list of those removed from the Opticians Registers following the end of the 2009/10 retention period - news - 7 April News Tue, 07 Apr 2009 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=9FC356D4-E168-4F77-954BD0D0310DF77A The General Optical Council (GOC) has removed from its registers 464 opticians who failed to renew their registration for 2009-10 - press release - 2 April News Thu, 02 Apr 2009 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=5076C930-9458-4E27-83A1AD8A90F4195F The General Optical Council (GOC) has today welcomed an announcement from the Appointments Commission confirming the appointments of 11 new members who will make up the reconstituted Council - press release - 30 March News Mon, 30 Mar 2009 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=F1C74758-CC2F-4ABF-BB504F3BFA7F396E The General Optical Council (GOC) is warning opticians of the dangers of failing to declare details of criminal convictions, cautions or disciplinary proceedings whilst registered - press release - 23 March News Mon, 23 Mar 2009 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=C5855EC3-C9A1-4F88-B5A0FC21F092A6B4 The deadline for retention forms and payments has now passed. In total, 91 per cent of registrants successfully applied for retention by the 15 March deadline - news release - 17 March News Tue, 17 Mar 2009 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=76CEA177-22C0-40D4-9E502133FF9C8267 With just months to go until the deadline for the current CET cycle, the General Optical Council (GOC) is holding a series of CET surgery sessions for optometrists and dispensing opticians at next month's Optrafair - press release - 16 March News Mon, 16 Mar 2009 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=FA764667-8411-47FD-98DE30E4C520607C The General Optical Council (GOC) is hosting a discussion event on proposed changes to the Codes of Conduct for opticians and optical businesses - press release - 16 March News Mon, 16 Mar 2009 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=C6F29B95-B895-496B-966498D8BD4AEE4B The General Optical Council (GOC) is today urging registrants to have their say on a revalidation scheme for opticians, as the Council launches an open consultation on its draft proposals - press release - 13 March News Fri, 13 Mar 2009 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=027496D5-E2B4-44E2-9B93845D4B55B66E The retention deadline for all fully-registered optometrists and dispensing opticians is just one week away - news release - 7 March News Mon, 09 Mar 2009 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=578D0876-1C17-42C8-9B40217BF007841A Thursday 12th March is World Glaucoma Day, the second day of its kind. This is a joint global initiative of the World Glaucoma Association (WGA) and the World Glaucoma Patient Association (WGPA) to put the spotlight on glaucoma - news - 9 March News Mon, 09 Mar 2009 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=C70C3742-5EB8-456C-8EEB61F91CCDE1A9 The General Optical Council (GOC) has this week issued an urgent reminder to full and business registrants to renew their registration for 2009-10 by 15 March 2009, or face a £20 penalty - press release - 16 February News Mon, 16 Feb 2009 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=E52EA4FC-973F-4718-92371F9784649460 The General Optical Council (GOC) has appointed Dian Taylor as its permanent chief executive and registrar - press release - 16 February News Mon, 16 Feb 2009 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=98007A5F-39CE-4677-AEDE0939C2E6ABED The GOC has today launched an online survey for CET providers - news - 14 January 2009 News Wed, 14 Jan 2009 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=61E1A3CA-54BC-4CAD-AF783154DCB9B4F0 The General Optical Council (GOC) has launched a consultation on changes to the codes of conducts for both individual and business registrants - press release - 9 January 2009 News Fri, 09 Jan 2009 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=206F7D7E-A617-40BB-A94AD5337CB7372F The annual retention period for all full registrants gets underway today - press release - 9 December 2008 News Tue, 09 Dec 2008 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=07C06D63-C2A5-4B2E-AF872AFD9EE3FE25 "People from Black and minority ethnic communities and vision services: A Good Practice Guide" is published this week by the sight loss charity, Thomas Pocklington Trust - news release - 9 December 2008 News Tue, 09 Dec 2008 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=68D47C3C-D91E-4FDD-80E1623096661EF7 The GOC is consulting on proposals to amend the competencies which must be demonstrated in order to be granted a qualification as an optometrist, a dispensing optician, or obtain specialty registration as a dispensing optician in contact lens practice - news release - 8 December 2008. News Mon, 08 Dec 2008 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=F1C5720B-E93E-4DDE-B68CFEE4DD9A89C2 The GOC today announced that the annual retention fee for 2009/10 is rising from £169 to £219 - press release - 20 November 2008 News Thu, 20 Nov 2008 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=75112975-3FD0-46AD-8639CE3F0C5F677A Key decisions from Council's meeting today - press release - 20 November 2008 News Thu, 20 Nov 2008 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=A8FD9807-47D2-4503-955AF694396AEFA0 The Appointments Commission has appointed Dr Geoffrey Harris as the new chair of the General Optical Council (GOC) - press release - 20 November 2008 News Thu, 20 Nov 2008 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=03601062-AFBA-4B26-AF7EBC0DA617B2DD Optical practices are continuing to receive telephone calls from a recruitment agency posing as the General Optical Council - news - 27 October News Mon, 27 Oct 2008 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=4C9E033F-E27F-44AB-BC8582EA661102CA It has come to our attention that a number of optical practices have received calls from individuals claiming to be phoning from the General Optical Council, asking for employee details - news - 10 October 2008 News Fri, 10 Oct 2008 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=CDC19A17-85B4-4728-AF91395707954F3E A new National Eye Health Epidemiological Model (NEHEM) will, for the first time, make data on the prevalence of four common eye conditions freely available - press release - 9 October 2008 News Thu, 09 Oct 2008 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=AA67360E-F4F3-466D-A398BB0DB2F41F54 GOC chairman Rosie Varley has been appointed as the new chairman of the General Social Care Council (GSCC) - press release - 6 October 2008 News Mon, 06 Oct 2008 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=96246900-9304-48EC-A59717293F3D6460 Today marks the start of the RNIB's Eye Health Week 2008 - news release - 6 October 2008 News Mon, 06 Oct 2008 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=7DB18467-7C5E-4645-ABB7E625F4752C1E The NHS is launching a campaign to raise awareness of fraud within the health service - news release - 25 September 2008 News Thu, 25 Sep 2008 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=03A9EC40-C8B7-4833-BB13545148120A20 The General Optical Council (GOC) has now opened its public consultation on proposed changes to its Committee Constitution Rules 2005 - news release - 23 September 2008 News Wed, 24 Sep 2008 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=ED16EBAA-B700-4CBB-83DE67ABC06C551A Following wide consultation, the General Optical Council last week formally made the rules that will implement the civil standard of proof in fitness to practise (disciplinary) hearings with effect from 3 November 2008 - news release - 16 September 2008 News Tue, 16 Sep 2008 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=AA62CA19-6A6B-4AE2-97D2F68CF70F462F In the last year, fewer than one per cent of opticians were the subject of a fitness to practise complaint, according to the General Optical Council (GOC) - press release - 8 September 2008 News Mon, 08 Sep 2008 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=F4198519-4BD9-43C1-BC607E4726A02D58 An Internet retailer was today ordered to pay over £60,000 as the General Optical Council (GOC) successfully concluded a criminal prosecution for illegal sales of contact lenses - press release - 3 September News Wed, 03 Sep 2008 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=10F92731-7FDD-4AB0-83D043AD9E477A56 A campaign to recruit a new lay chair of the General Optical Council (GOC) and 11 Council members has been launched today - press release - 1 September 2008 News Mon, 01 Sep 2008 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=36714FAA-6EBD-48BA-92D346E749FA637E The General Optical Council (GOC) has today removed from its registers a total of 399 student optometrists and dispensing opticians who failed to renew their registration for 2008/9 - press release - 1 September 2008 News Mon, 01 Sep 2008 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=6D56B6E8-B2AC-4B4A-9A263B0CBB8F243C The General Optical Council (GOC) has today been praised by the Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence (CHRE) for successfully meeting the required standards of performance in all aspects of its work - press release - 29 August 2008 News Fri, 29 Aug 2008 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=6E6FDFE0-C32E-441A-BCD188964CE0103A The Government's consultation on a new constitution for the GOC has been published - news - 18 August News Mon, 18 Aug 2008 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=D1007743-9F47-4897-90DD0232F31E4388 The General Optical Council and College of Optometrists have once again teamed up to deliver a series of presentations to first year students - news - 18 August News Mon, 18 Aug 2008 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=B26175CD-52FF-4661-824805D6EF76EBBD The GOC today held a major stakeholder event, designed to update partner bodies on the Council's plans and progress for implementing recommendations in the Government's White Paper on healthcare professional regulation - news - 29 July 2008 News Tue, 29 Jul 2008 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=2D1AF7B8-9CA3-4F87-A76C9F66FA474B4D A new online guide will keep registrants and partner organisations up to date with the GOC's regulation reform plans - news - 29 July 2008 News Tue, 29 Jul 2008 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=8D5C13B5-BBCD-429B-838152D93E7C0B87 The General Optical Council and British Contact Lens Association are today urging consumers to follow advice on buying contact lenses safely - press release - 14 July 2008 News Mon, 14 Jul 2008 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=3CD6FAF0-587E-4F67-86BE520DF65C38E8 Council members agreed the process and draft timetable for amending the GOC Fitness to Practise Rules to apply the civil standard of proof - news - 4 July 2008 News Fri, 04 Jul 2008 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=608BC4D7-29E6-43A5-A44482613B223378 At its July meeting Council agreed revised remuneration packages for new Council members who will take up office in April 2009 - news - 4 July 2008 News Fri, 04 Jul 2008 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=09E7378B-0574-4138-AFD737951239BA98 Members agreed amendments to the GOC Registration Rules that will create a new Independent Prescribing specialty -news - 4 July 2008 News Fri, 04 Jul 2008 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=92DEE9BA-2AD8-4A39-B0A27388253247D5 The GOC is urging all students who have not yet applied for student retention to do so now - or risk removal from the student registers on 1 September 2008 - news - 30 June 2008 News Mon, 30 Jun 2008 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=D4DC3B53-31A0-4A2B-A90E575EB3743AAD This month the General Optical Council (GOC) celebrates its 50th birthday - press release - 30 June 2008 News Mon, 30 Jun 2008 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=29A8988B-FE1E-4840-9BE7579781C35FA8 Up to 95% of the sensory input used in driving comes from vision, yet there is a condition that can rob you of nearly half of your vision before you know anything about it - news - 9 June 2008 News Mon, 09 Jun 2008 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=A94DC895-6E99-458E-B0979A93454CB7D8 The British Contact Lens Association and General Optical Council have produced a new leaflet to help consumers buy contact lenses safely - news - 23 May 2008 News Fri, 23 May 2008 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=E9A97675-79B1-4E85-AD04445999869D40 The GOC today warned all registered students that only eight weeks remain until the 15 July retention deadline - press release - 15 May 2008 News Thu, 15 May 2008 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=40A89A4D-7EFE-44FB-8AF1DC86DED34481 The General Optical Council published a consultation today on plans to implement a new scheme for monitoring equality and diversity data - press release - 21 April News Mon, 21 Apr 2008 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=8431DD85-ECBD-44BC-914C64CABB6CE315 The UK Vision Strategy is launched today - news - 18 April News Fri, 18 Apr 2008 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=CBC7607D-E0B1-441F-BD48BB2323EA3A00 The General Optical Council (GOC) has removed from its registers 442 opticians who failed to renew their registration for 2008/9 - press release - 2 April 2008 News Wed, 02 Apr 2008 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=5EB097B9-2709-413F-BB31909E2FF23474 Deputy registrar Dian Taylor will become acting registrar and chief executive of the General Optical Council on Peter Coe's retirement in July 2008 - press release - 20 March 2008 News Thu, 20 Mar 2008 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=33C74B10-9D28-4079-A3E15800EE0EB815 At its March meeting, Council agreed to initially reduce the number of members to 12, with parity of professional and lay membership- news -13 March 2008 News Thu, 13 Mar 2008 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=6FC047DA-9B7C-47C8-A805395E65EC94C0 Council members today approved a consultation document on changes to the GOC Fitness to Practise Rules, to apply the civil standard of proof - news - 13 March 2008 News Thu, 13 Mar 2008 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=5356140B-9AD6-4F09-BAE3559F943AB27A Members today accepted the recommendation made by the CET Policy and Development Group that no changes would be made to the current CET Scheme - news - 13 March 2008 News Thu, 13 Mar 2008 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=CC4B6593-0354-4450-A73E7C0130753539 Further decisions from the March meeting of Council include a revised undergraduate optometry core curriculum - news - 13 March 2008 News Thu, 13 Mar 2008 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=B0C5AF2A-85A6-4968-B545B3B69A255AAD Items noted by members at the March meeting of Council include the financial budget for 2008/9 - news - 13 March 2008 News Thu, 13 Mar 2008 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=FA2924EA-A6B3-45F8-95579D572B568CBD On 13 March, the General Optical Council (GOC) will convene in Belfast for the first time - press release - 10 March 2008 News Mon, 10 Mar 2008 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=E1863583-D1D3-457F-AC68BB29D6CAA4E2 Peter Coe today announced that he will retire from his post as Chief Executive and Registrar of the General Optical Council (GOC) at the end of July 2008 as he reaches his sixtieth birthday - press release - 10 March 2008 News Mon, 10 Mar 2008 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=5571458D-7B59-4789-9B2006F469CE1A33 The second World Conference on Optometric Globalisation (WCOG2) takes place 11-13 April - news - 5 March 2008 News Wed, 05 Mar 2008 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=63B86A83-9F61-42AF-B07882B70997E67F The General Optical Council (GOC) is stressing that all full and business registrants must ensure their retention applications are completed correctly, if they are to avoid missing the 15 March deadline - press release - 3 March 2008 News Mon, 03 Mar 2008 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=8AA2DC28-6C41-4E67-B22847263AD8DF98 The first ever World Glaucoma Day takes place on 6 March 2008 - news - 29 February 2008 News Fri, 29 Feb 2008 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=575C2FEA-CC34-4754-8F50755735DCDC59 The General Optical Council (GOC) has welcomed the Department of Health's proposed changes to legislation concerning healthcare regulation - news - 22 February 2008 News Fri, 22 Feb 2008 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=1B4596E6-3F7B-4F10-BAF5127407F1F66B With only six weeks left until the 15 March retention deadline, just 38 per cent of registrants have applied for retention - news 5 February 2008 News Mon, 04 Feb 2008 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=EAB533A7-D1FD-453E-8ADAF859E627CE88 The GOC Standards Committee opened the first meeting of the year by electing Nick Rumney as their new chairman - news - 25 Jan 2008 News Fri, 25 Jan 2008 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=C53605DA-813A-4870-B83034FF846C245C Healthcare professionals should take care not to stray into unacceptable sexual behaviour with patients and professional regulators should offer clear guidance and support, the Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence said today - news - 10 Jan 2008 News Thu, 10 Jan 2008 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=DCA57E36-3A49-457B-A15691F07D6A7F9A An online survey launched today will allow registrants and other stakeholders to give their views on the future of the Continuing Education and Training (CET) scheme - news - 12 Dec 2007 News Wed, 12 Dec 2007 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=D816BD0A-FC7D-41C0-AD4ABFCFB9A22971 The GOC has confirmed the new arrangements for entry to the optometry pre-registration period to replace the Professional Qualifying Examinations Part 1 (PQE1) - news - 12 Dec 2007 News Wed, 12 Dec 2007 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=B6C1E7F2-A237-47E0-B6A11A0FC4A79EE3 The General Optical Council (GOC) has today awarded the contract for a consumer complaints mediation service to the Optical Consumer Complaints Service (OCCS) - press release - 23 November 2007 News Fri, 23 Nov 2007 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=E07BBC69-CF91-4624-897EB4FADF18FA29 At its November meeting of Council, members debated proposals for implementing some of the recommendations outlined in the Government White Paper on healthcare regulation - news - 22 November 2007 News Thu, 22 Nov 2007 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=CCEC2DEF-8137-4645-AD718AE1E680E9A8 This summer the Department of Health announced that optometrists will be able to train to prescribe medicines independently - news - 22 November 2007 News Thu, 22 Nov 2007 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=27EA9784-D163-4DBD-BCBB5EEC3DE0F963 There will be no increase to the GOC full registration fee for 2008/9 - news - 22 November 2007 News Thu, 22 Nov 2007 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=E3DF6647-3726-428A-BDC167BD19E933B1 Members have approved the Council's Equality and Diversity scheme - news -22 November 2007 News Thu, 22 Nov 2007 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=5D96FE43-66E6-4A9F-80BACA509DFF946C Next month the GOC is set to launch a CET consultation to consider ideas for changes to the next CET cycle - news- 22 November 2007 News Thu, 22 Nov 2007 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=D74945C5-720A-4EAA-85337D20538CD761 Council bid a formal farewell to three long-standing members - news - 22 November 2007 News Thu, 22 Nov 2007 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=B74E2254-2BEF-4BBA-A2EE0CA489BFE9BB On 20 October 2007, new EU legislation came into force designed to make it easier for qualified professionals to move around Europe - news - 22 November 2007 News Thu, 22 Nov 2007 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=E95AF5D8-BD68-4266-AACB0D8EAD37EE6E On 22 November, the General Optical Council (GOC) will meet in Scotland for the first time in its 49 year history - press release - 20 November 2007 News Tue, 20 Nov 2007 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=98981C9B-82E1-447A-9E2D4FE511FF7552 The General Optical Council (GOC) has welcomed the publication of the Health and Social Care Bill, particularly the creation of the new Office of the Health Professions Adjudicator - press release - 16 November 2007 News Fri, 16 Nov 2007 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=F89BE64C-5DC2-4AB3-8D2C7999C9312724 Consultation on an action plan to tackle sight loss and improve eye health across the UK opened today - news - 1 November 2007 News Thu, 01 Nov 2007 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=6E948BB9-8B93-4E5F-BE63E7A08CF348A4 The General Optical Council (GOC) has today launched its new website as part of its mission to promote good eye care and protect the public - press release - 10 October 2007 News Wed, 10 Oct 2007 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=23BECA6D-78C7-40E8-BC0E96EA7510BF94 The General Optical Council has today published a consultation on its draft Equality and Diversity Scheme - news - 17 September News Mon, 17 Sep 2007 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=028B07D5-160D-4504-889CFB3FC3B7916C An RNIB report reveals that nearly half of over-60s are failing to have annual eye tests - news - 11 September News Tue, 11 Sep 2007 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=96EC87FF-32F5-46D9-AA95B1199A4E7D8F The General Optical Council (GOC) removed a total of 288 student optometrists and dispensing opticians from its registers today - press release - 3 September News Mon, 03 Sep 2007 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=41137B04-ECEF-4232-8CEB55C55D88D4AD The GOC has issued a response to the Which? report on sight tests in the UK - news - 30 August News Thu, 30 Aug 2007 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=F56F8C96-0E43-409C-B6C0C5AE3650F83A The General Optical Council (GOC) welcomed today's announcement from the Department of Health that optometrists will be able to train to prescribe medicines independently - press release - 28 August News Tue, 28 Aug 2007 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=28D1E407-C8C4-4F24-BD4A8AE09921D258 Complaints against opticians have fallen to their lowest number for three years - press release - 31 July News Tue, 31 Jul 2007 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=F5B02144-B9D1-4526-B3C2F509681E3B7B The General Optical Council (GOC) today sent letters to student registrants who have failed to apply for retention of their registration for the year beginning 1 September - press release - 25 July News Wed, 25 Jul 2007 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=03B7251A-5882-430D-91C0D3EDF0777E51 The GOC today highlighted key areas of concern about proposed new legislation giving European professionals rights to temporary and occasional registration in the UK - news - 28 June News Thu, 28 Jun 2007 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=32D93066-0246-4198-B29E76F1F34033D4 The General Optical Council today gave its formal support to transferring responsibility for hearings to a new Independent Adjudication Body - 28 June News Thu, 28 Jun 2007 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=65BB6A7A-5C31-4313-980138A836C4D137 At its meeting today, the General Optical Council agreed to re-issue an invitation to tender for a consumer complaints mediation service - 28 June News Thu, 28 Jun 2007 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=3FD89C97-47EF-4BCF-B149E76A728A14BC The General Optical Council will consult on a new unified competency framwork for optics in the UK - news - 28 June News Thu, 28 Jun 2007 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=2946A5AB-90C9-48EA-A4A8B966E5E6B4AE The General Optical Council (GOC) has appointed a new Director of Legal and Fitness to Practise - press release - 27 June News Wed, 27 Jun 2007 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=A041BE99-714A-4B58-A528582AB89F5267 The General Optical Council (GOC) is issuing all fully-registered optometrists and dispensing opticians with a registration card - press release - 18 June News Mon, 18 Jun 2007 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=E074BA22-B50E-436B-92EE7B922627609A Following their last meeting in December, members of Eyecare UK (E-UK) met on 6th June to start work on the development of a high level strategic plan for the eye care sector - press release - 15 June News Fri, 15 Jun 2007 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=7FCFE832-34B6-41E7-A385F2BCA54A348A The General Optical Council (GOC) is reminding all registered students to complete and return their retention form, together with payment, before the summer break. The deadline for student retention is 15 July - news - 17 May News Thu, 17 May 2007 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=D55E01FA-C0B3-4759-B13C9C94272DC615 Optical professionals are being advised to check that Continuing Education and Training (CET) events have been approved for their 'target group'- press release - 17 April News Tue, 17 Apr 2007 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=46D6BEE2-F384-4E38-B3507679054124EA The General Optical Council (GOC) today issued retention forms to all registered students. Students must complete and return the form, together with the £20 retention fee by 15 July 2007 - news - 5 April News Thu, 05 Apr 2007 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=1774E3D8-0DF7-4612-BD2556E6007F3ACD The General Optical Council (GOC) removed a total of 602 optometrists and dispensing opticians from its registers today. In addition 50 bodies corporate were removed - press release - 3 April News Tue, 03 Apr 2007 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=F5086DDC-4885-4A65-9F7BE2D8E392451F From 1 April 2007, newly-qualified optometrists and dispensing opticians will benefit from a pro-rata policy on registration fees - press release - 2 April News Mon, 02 Apr 2007 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=C451F5E3-7DA7-48CA-B85C7BBBCDE4FACF The GOC will propose that it reduces the size of its Council to a maximum of 13 members. The move is in line with the Government's recommendation in its recent White Paper, Trust, Assurance and Safety, for regulatory governing bodies to become smaller and more 'board-like' - news - 22 March News Thu, 22 Mar 2007 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=B71127D6-AC82-4C38-BB326D355B8B6553 Following the publication of the Government's White Paper, Trust, Assurance and Safety,the General Optical Council agreed to form a project board to lead and coordinate implementation activities - news - 22 March News Thu, 22 Mar 2007 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=E534A908-720F-4F6C-B27F276624428C06 At its meeting of 22 March, the Council accepted the revised guidance of the College of Optometrists and ABDO relating to the sale, supply and fitting of contact lenses, including plano lenses - news - 22 March News Thu, 22 Mar 2007 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=8745FCDB-B40D-40F3-BEE3ACE45B22A4EF Geoff Harris and Moira Black have been re-appointed as deputy chairman and treasurer of Council respectively - news - 22 March News Thu, 22 Mar 2007 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=583C4430-58EA-48F0-A756A95AA1069347 The deadline for retention forms and payments has now passed. A total of 16,327 (89.52%) registrants successfully applied for retention by the 15 March deadline - news - 16 March 2007 News Fri, 16 Mar 2007 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=DD979935-2957-4149-A9ADBB6375EC8159 All full registrants must apply for retention in the Opticians Register within the next two weeks, to avoid removal on 1 April - news - 1 March 2007 News Thu, 01 Mar 2007 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=F39D303C-B3A2-4602-B94FAA34B0C9F488 The General Optical Council (GOC) has appointed Stuart Heatherington as a lay member of Council. He will serve a five-year term of office - press release - 27 February 2007 News Tue, 27 Feb 2007 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=1BB9B7C3-4982-4E61-A30C9D134C25B62D The General Optical Council (GOC) has welcomed the publication of the Government's White Paper on professional regulation - press release - 21 February 2007 News Wed, 21 Feb 2007 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=4FE8BFF8-247C-4ED5-A1FFE2D198881870 The General Optical Council (GOC) today clarified the requirements for declaring information as part of an application for registration or for restoration or retention of registration with the Council - press release - 19 February 2007 News Mon, 19 Feb 2007 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=51ACF778-0B96-4497-A90B648496B16B5D The General Optical Council (GOC) today warned registrants that time is running out to renew registration for 2007/8 - press release - 19 February 2007 News Mon, 19 Feb 2007 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=EDC06421-BD03-4F81-BBDFAB9BD8F8A60E Today the General Optical Council has announced the appointment of three new lay members - press release - 24 January 2007 News Wed, 24 Jan 2007 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=D8A55A2E-4571-4306-ABE3603852456DA8 UK healthcare professional regulators are today calling for the European Commission to propose a new legal duty on bodies with similar roles across Europe to exchange disciplinary and registration information about healthcare professionals and to act on it - press release - 23 January 2007 News Tue, 23 Jan 2007 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=BF0075B1-51CC-46A8-B9FEECE027BD17F8 With just eight weeks left until the retention deadline of 15 March, only a quarter of registrants have applied for retention - news - 22 January 2007 News Mon, 22 Jan 2007 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=8A8E9C22-BA5A-4228-A0385E02C065E445 General Optical Council chairman Rosie Varley has been awarded an OBE in the Queen's New Years Honours List - press release - 2 January 2007 News Tue, 02 Jan 2007 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=2794659E-0320-4486-96ADAA297AA54CDD Over 90% of opticians met the requirement for Continuing Education and Training (CET) by the deadline of 31 December 2006 - press release - 2 January News Tue, 02 Jan 2007 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=90F39F0D-AB5D-4D80-ACD9CF5128BBE726 The General Optical Council (GOC) has sent out application for retention forms to all full registrants today - press release - 8 December News Fri, 08 Dec 2006 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=6EA0525D-C492-4440-8918F1236D45F0B4 The General Optical Council (GOC) has called on practitioners to make a 'final push' to meet the deadline to earn and confirm Continuing Education and Training (CET) points by 31 December 2006 - press release - 7 December 2006 News Thu, 07 Dec 2006 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=290B1F17-3135-4135-875C49C8F21F14AC The GOC has today approved a zero increase in registration fees for 2007/8 - news - 23 November 2006 News Thu, 23 Nov 2006 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=ECBF395E-15EB-48B9-822E73183944AB24 The tender process for the appointment of a consumer complaints mediation service provider has been postponed - news - 23 November 2006 News Thu, 23 Nov 2006 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=C9AF6C37-5068-4FD2-AB6653995DD14929 The General Optical Council (GOC) today announced the results of the elections for representatives of dispensing opticians and of optometrists in the constituencies of England, Scotland and Wales - press release - 10 November News Fri, 10 Nov 2006 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=1A681D2B-15B7-41C8-B8955A00930BC32C The General Optical Council (GOC) today welcomed the emphasis on public protection running through government proposals to improve the regulation of healthcare professionals - press release - News Tue, 07 Nov 2006 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=16C87627-8069-458A-A315EF85F774E825 The General Optical Council (GOC) today met with representatives of the optical professional and representative bodies to explain how it will interpret the law on sale and supply of spectacles and contact lenses - press release - 30 October News Mon, 30 Oct 2006 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=80506F72-635C-468B-93C0EDF5D7C84252 Healthcare regulators, including the GOC, have called for the European Commission to make patient safety a top priority in any new EU initiatives on patient and professional mobility - press release - 24 October 2006 News Tue, 24 Oct 2006 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=30E11683-EAE9-46C8-AA28B6165B4E686D AMD (Age-Related Macular Degeneration) Awareness Week runs from 23 - 27 October 2006 - news - 23 October News Mon, 23 Oct 2006 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=6315108B-11E4-4F09-B8912DBEB6115048 The General Optical Council have today published their Annual Report for 2005/6 - press release - 6 October 2006 News Fri, 06 Oct 2006 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=2ADE1659-B57E-4BF6-A074A7EAE7DCCEA2 The GOC has been added to a list of bodies who will receive information from the police about criminal offences committed by registrants - press release - 19 September News Tue, 19 Sep 2006 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=520F96D6-9BD3-493C-AA103BE27637A630 The General Optical Council (GOC) has welcomed the publication of the government's review of the regulation of non-medical healthcare professionals - press release - 14 July 2006 News Mon, 14 Aug 2006 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=9A1E7E5C-8416-482C-8540997BC5E376EB The General Optical Council (GOC) is pleased to announce the appointment of two new Directors - press release - 11 August 2006 News Fri, 11 Aug 2006 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=4B68048D-EB5B-4FE8-92B7ABB9C39DE50D The UK's 13 Health and Social Care regulators have today launched a new leaflet entitled, "Who regulates health and social care professionals?" The leaflet is the result of a joint initiative by all of the regulatory bodies including the General Optical Council (GOC) - press release - 21 July 2006 News Fri, 21 Jul 2006 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=5BD6872A-AB70-472D-8B4281EF144E774A A new code of conduct for Council members was approved at the meeting of the General Optical Council on 22 June - news - 20 July 2006 News Thu, 20 Jul 2006 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=C40E8463-50E9-4561-B63A6FEC8EB80744 The deadline for students to renew their registration for 2006/7 was 15 July - news - 20 July 2006 News Thu, 20 Jul 2006 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=CCB3A3BD-A497-4DC7-BD1F1B215E685FFD New CET scheme guidelines giving greater flexibility were approved by the General Optical Council today, and will be effective from 1 January 2007 - news - 22 June 2006 News Thu, 22 Jun 2006 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=6C936ACD-84F4-4E6B-A7F286067D3CC8A5 A new protocol to determine how the Council investigates and prosecutes alleged criminal offences under the Opticians Act was approved by the General Optical Council today - news - 22 June 2006 News Thu, 22 Jun 2006 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=C4EBC4D6-08AF-4A97-97DB3163008A2FEC At the meeting of the European Council of Optometry and Optics (ECOO) in Milan this week, the General Optical Council (GOC) will announce that the European Diploma in Optometry has been granted conditional approval as a partial route to UK registration - press release - 3 May 2006 News Wed, 03 May 2006 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=42B88329-75F8-4B39-9BA4B8723DBECA03 The GOC is looking at ways to address the issues raised by Internet and mail order sales of glasses and contact lenses - news - 23 March 2006 News Thu, 23 Mar 2006 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=B09676A4-DBC6-4AEB-A3F77D8737A5114D Guidance about which criminal offences are likely to affect registration was made public today - news - 23 March News Thu, 23 Mar 2006 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=E3BC5A99-C019-485F-9FE694B0C4FA5B1F Candidates interested in standing for election as professional members of Council will be invited to a special 'Open House' day in June - news - 23 March 2006 News Thu, 23 Mar 2006 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=3916EEA2-AFA4-4B3C-B48612449DDB7CFB Registrants will have three years to earn the next 'batch' of CET points after 31 December 2006 - news - 23 March 2006 News Thu, 23 Mar 2006 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=B7852F13-A6AB-4E40-89848D3919B7D46C Thhe General Optical Council said today that their prosecution of eBay for aiding and abetting illegal contact lens sales highlighted a problem with laws on Internet auction websites - press release - 6 March 2006 News Mon, 06 Mar 2006 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=701B0F30-7D8E-4C41-8AB35A7FD161CE37 The General Optical Council announced a formal consultation on draft amendments to the Continuing Education and Training (CET) rules this week - press release - 17 February 2006 News Fri, 17 Feb 2006 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=4ED1FBFF-CFD8-40BE-8AAA05FD4134FA64 The General Optical Council is asking stakeholders and partners to comment on which standard of proof should be used to judge the truth of facts presented in its professional hearings - press release - 23 January 2006 News Mon, 23 Jan 2006 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=C0E9928E-30F2-4EC0-A0F48453815458C1 Nearly 400 students have registered since the General Optical Council issued a warning at the end of November - news - 9 January 2006 News Mon, 09 Jan 2006 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=0E55E7D2-21D5-4E6A-A2467E15DDC57B17 The General Optical Council has been recognised as an Investor in People organisation after achieving the Standard in December 2005 - press release - 9 January 2006 News Mon, 09 Jan 2006 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=1A433608-9FDB-406D-93E614377172AABE The General Optical Council warned today that the 'grace period' for student registration would come to an end on 31 December 2005 - press release - 29 November 2005 News Tue, 29 Nov 2005 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=EC9AC65B-3CBF-4BBE-B78E9C41EA552002 Richard Broughton has been nominated as a member of the GOC, to replace Professor Nathan Efron - news - 17 November 2005 News Thu, 17 Nov 2005 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=412A18BC-C299-461C-9601ECA5C3478590 The General Optical Council today approved a nil increase in the fees for 2006/7 - news - 17 November 2005 News Thu, 17 Nov 2005 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=62AD3EFB-8E91-42BB-8850EE7C3748B4E0 Registrants who submit paper-based CET records for verification will pay a two-part fee - news - 17 November 2005 News Thu, 17 Nov 2005 http://www.optical.org/en/news_publications/news_item.cfm?id=4E7E35AC-152F-4FE5-8B99C83ABC89E522 Registrants must hold professional indemnity insurance valid for UK purposes - news - 17 November 2005 News Thu, 17 Nov 2005