GOC publishes UK Optical Education 2024 Report

We have published our UK Optical Education 2024 Report for GOC approved qualifications, which provides an analysis of the education and training of optical students and trainees and a commentary on sector developments.  

Each year, as part of our Quality Assurance and Enhancement Method (QAEM), all providers of GOC approved qualifications are required to submit information relating to qualification changes, changes to qualification delivery and/or assessment (including risks to delivery), lessons learned, and good practice.  

Under the Opticians Act 1989, we have the power to approve and quality assure qualifications leading to GOC registration or speciality registration, which includes all elements of training, learning and assessment that a provider must deliver for its students to successfully complete their studies and join the GOC register.   

We analysed the information provided to identify:  

• updates regarding key events and changes at qualification level;  

• current risks and issues relating to individual approved qualifications(s);  

• themes, strengths, and risks within the optical education sector;  

• the diversity of students within the optical sector;  

• examples of good practice and lessons learnt; and  

• ways the GOC’s quality assurance activities could be developed.  

During 2022/23, there were a total of 37 qualifications delivered across 4,659 optical students.   

The report notes that transition to the new education and training requirements (ETR) has been at a good pace, with all except three GOC approved qualifications across optometry and dispensing optics having adapted to the ETR by September 2024. Some providers continue to raise concerns about resourcing of clinical placements in the integrated ETR qualifications and some have highlighted their relationships with organisations that support the delivery of placements such as hospitals and high street eye care practices. Investment decisions reported by providers include new clinical facilities and equipment, and providers are continuing to utilise the capabilities of virtual learning environments to enhance the learning experience for students.  

On average, optometry (OP) qualifications continued to report strong application figures with an average year 1 cohort size similar to the previous year. Despite falling slightly in 2023/24, dispensing optics (DO) admittances are significantly higher than 2020/21. The number of trainees on independent prescribing (IP) qualifications increased in 2022/23, reflecting continued demand for IP qualifications as indicated in the GOC’s 2024 registrant survey, whilst the number of trainees on contact lens optics qualifications has remained stable over the past three years.  

For more insights, see the full UK Optical Education 2024 Report.