Acting Director of Regulatory Strategy Marcus Dye to depart General Optical Council

The General Optical Council (GOC) has today announced that Marcus Dye will be leaving the organisation following seven years of service. Marcus held the position of Acting Director of Regulatory Strategy since January 2022 following his tenure as Acting Director of Strategy from January 2020. Before that, he held the roles of Head of Standards and CET, and Standards Manager.

During his time at the GOC, he was responsible for leading and introducing new standards of practice for optometrists and dispensing opticians and standards for optical students which represented a massive shift in approach and a lasting culture change for the professions. He also authored and led on the first ever pieces of supporting guidance to the standards on consent and candour and oversaw the development of the new business standards and confidentiality guidance.

Marcus also oversaw the first three cycles of Continuing Education and Training (CET) which were in place for many years and commenced the review of the scheme which led to the introduction of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in January 2022. Most recently, he led the GOC’s response to the COVID-19 emergency; putting in place a series of statements and working with sector bodies to discuss workforce issues and any regulatory barriers to care.

Marcus Dye said: “It has been a great honour to work with GOC staff, Council and stakeholders over the past seven years and to be at the forefront of some major, transformational projects. I will be taking a career break and I am looking forward to taking some time out to travel. I want to wish Leonie and the entire team success as they continue to strive for world-class regulation.”

Leonie Milliner, Chief Executive and Registrar, said: “Marcus has achieved a great deal during his time at the GOC and I want to thank him for his service to the Council, the professions we regulate and the public we benefit. In particular, I want to thank him for his commitment to engaging with our stakeholders which has enabled us to work together with other organisations to ensure patient and public safety. I wish him all the best for the future.”