GOC launches 2025 Workforce and Perceptions Survey

The General Optical Council (GOC) has today launched its Workforce and Perceptions Survey to learn more about registrants’ work experiences, including views on their job satisfaction, working conditions, and of the GOC overall.

New questions have been added this year to gain feedback on registration fees, testing times, and commercial pressures.

The online survey is being run independently by Enventure Research to ensure all responses remain confidential. Last year, a total of 4,575 optometrists, dispensing opticians and optical students responded to the survey.

The GOC used last year’s findings to strengthen its standards to ensure that registrants experiencing negative behaviours such as bullying, harassment and discrimination receive more support from their employers and that employers promote more positive workplace cultures.

Steve Brooker, GOC Director of Regulatory Strategy, said: “Each year, we learn more about registrants’ experiences which help inform our work. Last year’s findings revealed a link between registrants experiencing bullying, harassment, discrimination, and abuse and their ability to deliver safe patient care.

It’s important that we hear from as many fully qualified registrants and students as possible as your feedback will influence GOC policy. The data collected is also used by the wider optical sector to support their work, including professional and representative bodies, commissioners and national governments.”

The survey will take about 10 minutes to complete and there is a prize draw to win a £250 online gift card as a thank you for taking part.

The closing date for the survey is 27 April.

Visit the Workforce and Perceptions Survey.