Upcoming changes to our existing standards
Following a period of consultation and feedback, we have reviewed and updated our current Standards of Practice for Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians, Standards for Optical Students, and Standards for Optical Businesses. These changes will come into effect from 1st January 2025, coinciding with the start of the new CPD cycle.
GOC Standards
The GOC standards of practice outline the behaviours, attitudes, conduct and professional practice expected of our registrants. They describe the minimum standard of care which patients, and the public can expect from optical professionals and inform our decision making about the Fitness to Practise of professionals.
The changes to the standards have been made after a period of extensive consultation with our key stakeholders, including patients and the general public. The revised standards reflect developments in practise, such as the increased use of digital technologies, as well as the changing expectations of patients and the public, such as registrants identifying themselves and their role during a consultation.
What has changed?
The changes that have been put in place aim to improve the clarity and alignment of our standards to ensure that they reflect emerging changes in the sector. It is important to note that most of the existing standards have not changed, but key changes that have been put in place address the following:
- Delivering better care for patients in vulnerable circumstances.
- Requiring registrants to identify themselves and their role and advise patients who will provide their care.
- Maintaining appropriate professional boundaries, including prohibiting conduct of a sexual nature with patients.
- Promoting better workplace cultures by explicitly referencing inclusive behaviour between colleagues and ensuring employers support staff who have experienced discrimination, bullying or harassment in the workplace.
- Keeping updated on developments in digital technologies and applying professional judgement when utilising the data they generate to inform decision making.
- Maintaining confidentiality when sharing patient images online.
- Demonstrating leadership in practice, for example by supporting the education and training of others.
What will this mean for registrants?
From 1st January 2025, our revised standards will be launched and will replace our current existing standards. Up until that date, the existing standards will still be in place and are available here.
The revised standards are available on our website here for registrants to view prior to launch. It is a requirement that registrants utilise the revised standards of practice once they are in place.
Implementation
In the lead up to the implementation of our revised standards, we will be communicating with all key stakeholders over the coming months. There will be several opportunities over Autumn to learn more about the changes and impact, so look out for more information in the coming weeks.
In the meantime, if there are any queries or concerns, please contact the Standards Team at standards@optical.org