GOC looks to appoint ten new members to its Hearings Panel

We are seeking to appoint ten experienced dispensing or contact lens opticians to join our Hearings Panel. Our Hearings Panel has over 40 members, including optometrists, dispensing or contact lens opticians, and lay (non-registrant) members.

The Hearings Panel’s work involves fitness to practise (FtP). Its members serve on two committees – the Fitness to Practise Committee and the Registration Appeals Committee. Both committees, and those sitting on them, play a vital role in helping us uphold high standards in the optical professions as we continue in our mission of public protection.

What the role involves

Hearings Panel members will work to determine allegations relating to the fitness to practise of registered optometrists and dispensing opticians, the fitness of student registrants to undertake training as an optometrist or dispensing optician, and the fitness of business registrants to carry on business as optometrists, dispensing opticians, or both. The Hearings Panel also determines whether it is necessary for interim measures (suspension or made subject to conditions) to be put in place whilst an investigation is in progress for the protection of members of the public, or is otherwise in the public interest, or in the interests of a registrant.

Hearings Panel members may also sit as part of the Registration Appeal Committee which is constituted for the purpose of hearing and determining appeals against any decision of the Registrar refusing to enter the name of an individual or body corporate in, or to restore it to, the appropriate Register.

Who is eligible to apply

Applicants must be a qualified dispensing optician or contact lens optician with current “hands on” experience of optical sector primary and/or secondary care or with significant involvement in other roles, e.g. optics education, manufacturing, delivery of Continuing Professional Development (CPD), or research.

The campaign pack provides more information on the role and how to apply. Interested applicants should read the Appointment Information and Expectations carefully before submitting their application.

The deadline for applications is midnight on Sunday 18 June 2023.

If you have any questions, please contact appointment@optical.org