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Education and training requirements (from March 2021)

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Updated education and training requirements

As part of our Education Strategic Review, we have updated our education and training requirements for GOC-approved qualifications for: 

They replace the current Education Quality Assurance Handbooks for optometry (2015) and ophthalmic dispensing (2011), Independent Prescribing Handbook (2008), and Contact Lens Handbook (2007). The new requirements ensure that all optical professionals are equipped to deliver eye-care services in a rapidly changing landscape and meet the needs of patients in the future.

Watch our short video below for more information.

Background information

We have also produced a timeline graphic which illustrates the journey to the introduction and implementation of the new ETR, including key milestones such as the Education Strategic Review (ESR) and various consultations on our proposals. View the timeline graphic.

To learn more about the new requirements and the changes introduced, see our Key Changes infographic. 

Applying or adapting to the education and training requirements

If you are seeking to gain approval or to adapt an existing qualification, please first contact the Education Team via education@optical.org to discuss the process and for further information. 

All the associated forms and templates (with accompanying guidance) required to gain approval for or adapt an existing qualification can be found using the relevant qualification links above. 

Application for qualification approval 

Our process for applying for new approval or ‘application process’ uses a staged, risk-based approach. At each stage, providers working towards GOC qualification approval will be required to submit evidence against our education and training requirements in support of the application. Stages can be submitted consecutively or concurrently.  Each submission of evidence involves triage and review, which are conducted by GOC staff and Education Visitor Panellists (EVPs) (consisting of both Lay and Registrant members).  At the end of the staged process, a decision will be made by Council to determine whether a qualification can receive approval.  

To allow sufficient time for planning and resourcing, we recommend that providers submit applications as early as possible because it is common for evidence triages to result in requests for further information. However, all applications should be submitted no later than 12 months before you wish to begin to recruit students.  

Application documentation 

Up to July 2024, providers wishing to seek new approval were required to complete either form 1A, 1B or 1C (dependant on profession or specialty) to notify the GOC of their proposed plans. However, we have chosen to merge these into one 'Application Form' which is now available for use (from July 2024). This was developed to streamline our approach and to allow providers to include more than one profession/specialty together into their new qualification should they wish to. The merged form has been developed to cover the same areas of focus as the existing forms 1A, 1B or 1C and can now be used by all providers looking to submit their application for qualification approval, regardless of profession or specialty.   

A guidance document was created alongside the form to provide support and explanation of what we are expecting in each section of the application form; it is recommended that the guidance document is consulted whilst completing the form. Please find the merged application form and the accompanying guidance below: 

Whilst we encourage providers to use the new merged application form, we will still accept submissions using the previous forms 1A, 1B, or 1C.   

Adaptation of existing GOC approved qualifications 

For providers of existing GOC approved qualifications, you will be required to make changes to your existing qualification so that it will meet the new requirements. Providers are asked to submit documentation and evidence to demonstrate how the adapted qualification will meet the new requirements. Your submission will be triaged and reviewed by GOC staff and Education Visitor Panellists against a selection of the new standards and, once we are satisfied that an existing qualification is able to meet the updated education and training requirements, we will ‘note’ it. We don’t use the terminology ‘approve’ in this process as the qualification already holds GOC approval. 

 Adaptation documentation  

Up to December 2023, existing providers were required to complete either form 2A, 2B or 2C (dependant on profession or specialty) to notify the GOC of their proposed adaptation plans. However, we have chosen to merge these into one ‘Adaptation Form’ which is now available for use (from December 2023). This was developed to streamline our approach and to allow providers to include more than one profession/specialty together into their new, adapted qualification should they wish to. The merged form has been developed to cover the same areas of focus as the existing form 2A, 2B or 2C and can now be used by all providers looking to submit their qualification adaptation, regardless of profession or specialty.  

A guidance document was created alongside the form to provide support and explanation of what we are expecting in each section of the adaptation form; it is recommended that the guidance document is consulted whilst completing the form. Please find the merged adaptation form and the accompanying guidance below: 

Whilst we encourage providers to use the new merged adaptation form, we will still accept submissions using the previous forms 2A, 2B, or 2C.  

Declaration of Closure form

To ensure the Education department have a clear understanding and oversight of provider plans for all existing handbook qualifications, we have developed the Declaration of Closure form with the expectation that providers will complete the form to evidence their plans for teaching out any iterations of a qualification(s) that will not be adapted to the ETRs. This form will also be available to complete for the closure, suspension or teaching out of any qualifications and not just for those adapting. Please find the Declaration of Closure form and accompanying guidance below:

Qualifications being delivered under the new requirements

Optometry 

Dispensing Optics 

Additional Supply, Supplementary Prescribing and/or Independent Prescribing 

  • Aston University - Independent Prescribing for Optometrists - from October 2023
  • Cardiff University - Postgraduate Certificate in Independent Prescribing for Optometrists - from September 2024
  • Glasgow Caledonian University - Postgraduate Diploma in Independent Prescribing for Optometrists (PgDip IP) - from January 2026

Contact Lens

Frequently Asked Questions 

See our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information about the new requirements.