General Optical Council

GOC launches consultation on new approach to illegal practice

The General Optical Council (GOC) has today launched a consultation on a revised illegal practice strategy and protocol which will enable it to be more proactive in its approach and provide clarity on when it will take action and what action will be taken.

A focus on Education requirements for Optometry & Dispensing Optics

GOC Director of Education Leonie Milliner discusses the new education and training requirements.

Fourth issue of FtP Focus: on the road to a hearing

In our new issue of FtP Focus, our learning bulletin on the fitness to practise process, we walk through the steps we take to prepare a case on the road to a Fitness to Practise Committee (FtPC) hearing.

GOC publishes updated Continuing Education and Training (CET) exceptions policy

The GOC has published its new Continuing Education and Training (CET) exceptions policy, alongside its response to the consultation. The policy replaces the GOC’s ‘Exceptional circumstances in meeting CET requirements policy’.

GOC erases Leeds based student dispensing optician

The General Optical Council has decided to erase Haroon Amin, a student dispensing optician based in Leeds, from its register.

Annual report on whistleblowing from healthcare regulators published

The report shows that nine whistleblowing disclosures were raised to the GOC in the 12 months between April 2020 and March 2021.

News from Council – 22 September 2021

The General Optical Council (GOC) held its third Council meeting of the year, which considered a review of the GOC’s Illegal Practice Strategy; the Annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2021; and the 2021 Equality and Diversity Data Monitoring Report looking at equality and diversity across GOC registrants, staff, members, and those going through fitness to practise proceedings.

Two thirds of healthcare workers lacked access to appropriate PPE during first lockdown

A new study, led by the University of Leicester and supported by organisations including the GOC, has revealed that two thirds (64.8%) of healthcare workers reported not having access to appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all times during the first UK national lockdown.

GOC launches consultation on new requirements for Contact Lens Opticians

The General Optical Council (GOC) has today launched a consultation on proposals to update its requirements, that underpin the approval of qualifications for specialist entry to the GOC register as a contact lens optician.

GOC win diversity and inclusion award

The General Optical Council is proud to have won a TIDE Bronze Award for diversity and inclusion. This is the first year the GOC has entered the scheme which is overseen by the Employers Network for Equality and Inclusion.