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The GOC has decided to erase Samantha Wall, a dispensing optician based in Plymouth, from its register. 

As part of our ongoing thematic review into commercial practices and patient safety, we’re turning our attention to sales targets and incentives in the eye care sector. We want to hear views from across the sector on any positive impacts or negative effects of these targets.

The GOC has appointed Kalwant Grewal as a lay member of its Council. He was appointed by the Privy Council, and his term will begin on 1 February 2026.

The GOC has launched a consultation on proposed reforms to its Continuing Professional Development (CPD) scheme, with some changes expected to begin from the 2028–30 CPD cycle. 

Congratulations to GOC Council member Lisa Gerson, who has been awarded an MBE (Member of the British Empire) in His Majesty The King’s 2026 New Year Honours List.

The acceptance criteria document is a case management tool we use to decide if a complaint against a registrant amounts to an allegation of impaired fitness to practise that should be investigated under section 13D of the Opticians Act 1989. This is the law under which the GOC is permitted to investigate a registrant’s fitness to practise

How our EDI work is supporting fairer outcomes, inclusive access to eyecare and effective, trusted regulation.

The GOC has announced its fees for the 2026/7 registration period, which were approved by Council at its 17 December meeting.

The GOC has published two new pieces of guidance on maintaining appropriate sexual boundaries and care for patients in vulnerable circumstances.

Updates from the General Optical Council's final meeting of 2025.

The GOC has decided to suspend Khooshaal Dawoolet, an optometrist based in Barking, from its register for three months. 

The General Optical Council is looking to appoint two new Council Associates – one dispensing optician/contact lens optician and one optometrist.

We have published our annual report for the year ending March 2025, which sets out our achievements of meeting our strategic objectives.

The GOC has decided to suspend Siddique Chowdhury, an optometrist based in Manchester, from its register for two months.

The GOC has decided to erase Jack Harding, a student dispensing optician based in Stafford, from its register.