Applications open to become an Advisory Panel member

We are seeking seven new members to join our Advisory Panel. The Advisory Panel is made up of several committees – we are recruiting members for our Companies, Education and Registration Committees: 

• Companies Committee (one dispensing optician, one optometrist and one business registrant); 

• Education Committee (one dispensing optician and one registered medical practitioner); and 

• Registration Committee (one dispensing optician and one lay member). 

About the role  

As a Committee member, you will give advice and assistance to Council (whether or not in response to a request from them) on: 

• matters relating to business registrants other than matters required by the Opticians Act to be referred to the Investigation Committee, the Registration Appeals Committee or the Fitness to Practise Committee; 

• matters relating to optical training, education and assessment; 

• matters relating to registration, other than matters required by the Opticians Act to be considered by the Registration Appeals Committee; and 

• matters relating to the standards of conduct and performance expected of registrants or those seeking admission to the register. 

We are looking for individuals who bring a fresh perspective and we particularly welcome applications from candidates who can reflect the mix of our registrants and patients. The ideal candidate will need to be able to demonstrate effective communication skills and be able to develop constructive and supportive working relationships. 

Remuneration and Time Commitment 

Members are paid a daily fee of £319. This role is part time with a commitment of approximately 2-3 days per year, including time spent preparing for meetings.   

How to apply 

We welcome applications from individuals who are disabled and from diverse ethnic backgrounds as these are currently under-represented on our council and committees. 

Please see the Advisory Panel member candidate pack for more information about the role and how to apply. 

Please note that applicants cannot be appointed to more than one committee. If you choose to apply to more than one committee; please indicate in your application form your preferred committee. 

The deadline for applications is midnight on Sunday 6 April 2025. 

If you have any questions about the role or application process, please email appointment@optical.org and we will aim respond to your query within 48 hours.  Please quote reference GOC01/25 on all correspondence.