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News and press releases
- GOC response on re-opening optical practices statement
- Response to the petition for the General Optical Council to be investigated for conflict of interest
- GOC suspends Hampshire based optometrist
- News from Council 13 May 2020
- GOC welcomes the Professional Standards Authority performance review
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) latest information
- GOC welcomes guidance from The College of Optometrists on Leicester and Scotland
- Tim Parkinson appointed to the GOC Council
- Recently published statement during the COVID-19 emergency
- Recently published statement during the COVID-19 emergency (CET)
- Statement on registrants working in different settings during COVID-19 emergency
- Statement on CET during the COVID-19 emergency
- Statement on infection prevention and control during the COVID-19 pandemic
- PSA statement on petition to investigate GOC
- GOC erases Cambridgeshire based dispensing optician
- GOC consults on 2020-27 Strategic Plan
- GOC position of proposed apprenticeship standard
- GOC statement on University of Portsmouth Masters of Optometry programme
- Love Your Lenses Week: Watch the Land The Message video
- GOC publishes Brexit - frequently asked questions
- GOC imposes financial penalty on Boots Opticians Ltd
- Lesley Longstone appointed as permanent GOC Chief Executive and Registrar
- News from Council 13 February 2019
- GOC suspends Hounslow based dispensing optician
- GOC encourages ESR responses with three weeks to go
- Vicky McDermott stands down as GOC Chief Executive and Registrar
- GOC erases Helensburgh based optometrist
- Love Your Lenses Week to focus on helping practitioners to land the safety message
- GOC Business Standards consultation receives positive response from the optical sector
- Over 97 per cent of registrants meet CET requirements
- GOC suspends Huddersfield based optometrist
- Annual Healthcare Regulators’ Whistleblowing Report 2020 Published
- GOC sets out its commitment to anti-racism
- GOC statement in response to Professional Standards Authority (PSA) appeal
- GOC statement on the Education Strategic Review
- Statement on the re-opening of optical practices during the COVID-19 emergency
- GOC launches consultation on Continuing Education and Training scheme
- Revised statement on the re-opening of optical practices
- GOC erases Yorkshire based optometrist
- GOC erases Sheffield based student dispensing optician
- GOC erases Cardiff based optometrist
- Recently published statements during the COVID-19 emergency
- Statement on the provision of essential eye services in England
- GOC response to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) emergency
- GOC erases Staffordshire based student dispensing optician
- GOC erases Leicester based student dispensing optician
- GOC succesfully removes reported illegal spectacle sales on Amazon
- GOC sets out position on lissamine green
- Dr David Parkins reappointed as a member of GOC Council
- Statement on referrals for cataract surgery
- Help us build the new GOC website
- News from Council 26 February 2020
- GOC publishes guidance on disclosing confidential information
- Coronavirus COVID-19: Latest guidance from the DHSC and PHE
- Lidl withdraws spectacles being sold illegally
- GOC erases Manchester based student dispensing optician
- GOC issues withdrawal notice to University of Portsmouth Master of Optometry programme
- GOC erases London based optometrist
- News from Council - 15 July 2020
- GOC consultation on temporary changes to our Optometry Quality Assurance Handbook
- GOC launches ESR consultation on updated education and training requirements
- GOC response to concerns raised by Association of British Dispensing Opticians about the Education Strategic Review
- GOC erases Scarborough based dispensing optician
- GOC approves temporary changes to Optometry Handbook and Supervision Policy
- GOC statement on service of registration notices during the COVID-19 emergency
- Statement on use of technology during the COVID-19 emergency
- GOC announces the departure of Director of Strategy Alistair Bridge and the appointment of Leonie Milliner as Senior Education Adviser
- GOC erases Harrow based student optometrist
- GOC suspends Hertfordshire based optometrist
- Dr Subo Shanmuganathan steps down as interim Director of Education
- News from Council 13 November 2019
- GOC suspends Manchester based optomestrist
- Principles for good practice issued to protect patients online
- GOC shares 2016-18 CET cycle evaluation report
- GOC launches ESR expert advisory groups
- GOC publishes research in to risk in the optical professions
- GOC erases Suffolk based optometrist
- GOC announces launch of new business standards website
- FTP and Education Teams unavailable 4 October 2019
- GOC welcomes the Professional Standards Authority Performance Review (1)
- GOC erases Peterborough based student dispensing optician
- GOC pilots enhanced triage process for FTP complaints
- Public Statement about The University of Portsmouth's Optometry Programme
- GOC erases Yorkshire based student optometrist
- GOC erases Surrey based dispensing optician
- Research reveals public perceptions of opticians
- GOC erases Swindon based dispensing optician
- News from Council 10 July 2019
- GOC shares Fitness to Practise insights with optical business registrants
- GOC erases Durham based optometrist
- Regulators unite to support reflective practitioners across healthcare
- Professor Deborah Bowman MBE appointed to GOC Council
- GOC welcomes ASA ruling on iSpyEyes
- News from Council 15 May 2019
- GOC suspends Orpington based dispensing optician
- GOC encourages eligible optical businesses to register
- GOC registrants demonstrate their continued fitness to practise
- GOC publishes new Standards for Optical Businesses
- GOC consults on draft guidance: disclosing confidential information
- GOC suspends Bromley based dispensing optician
- GOC co-commissions research into Regulated Qualifications Framework level for GOC approved qualifications
- GOC response to joint statement on concerns about funding for Education Strategic Review
- GOC suspends Bradford based optometrist
- GOC launches public consultation on COVID-19 statements
- Latest information on COVID-19 'firebreak lockdown' from Welsh Government
- GOC response to petition to stop multiples exploiting optometrists and endangering patients
- GOC suspends London based optometrist
- GOC shares recommendations on RQF levels for optometrists and dispensing opticians
- Recruitment begins for ethnic minority healthcare staff COVID-19 research study
- GOC launches new FtP Focus learning bulletin
- GOC signs letter in recognition of registrants during the COVID-19 emergency
- Update to process for EEA and Swiss National applicants
- GOC to contribute to new research on the effect of COVID-19 on BAME healthcare workers
- GOC suspends Leeds based student dispensing optician
- GOC suspends Nottingham based optometrist
- News from Council 11 November
- Joint statement from Chief Executives of statutory regulators of health and social care professionals - January 2021
- Statement on national lockdowns
- Applications for Scottish and Welsh Council members to close Sunday 10 January
- Important update: system error generated email from GOC
- GOC erases Liverpool based optometrist
- Statement on Tier 4 restrictions in areas of England from 20 December 2020
- GOC erases Shropshire based dispensing optician
- GOC suspends Nuneaton based optometrist
- GOC erases Norwich based dispensing optician
- Optometry Wales Chair to stand down and take up General Optical Council role
- GOC suspends Glasgow based optometrist
- GOC suspends London based student optometrist
- New issue of FtP FOCUS bulletin launched
- GOC suspends London based optometrist (1)
- GOC statement in response to Department of Health and Social Care consultation
- GOC announces Dr Anne Wright CBE as new Chair of Council
- GOC Council approves new education and training requirements for dispensing opticians and optometrists
- News from Council 10 February 2021
- As an optical professional, should I be vaccinated against COVID-19?
- Recruitment for Scottish registrant Council member
- Message from Dr Anne Wright CBE, new GOC Chair
- GOC welcomes the Professional Standards Authority Review Performance Review 2019/20
- GOC shares insights from public perceptions research
- COVID-19 statements consultation report published
- GOC erases Cardiff based dispensing optician
- GOC launches 2021 registrant survey
- How the GOC can support you to Speak Up
- Consultation on CET exceptions policy
- GOC co-signs letter in support of optometrists and dispensing opticians during the COVID-19 emergency
- GOC suspends Glasgow based optometrist (1)
- Optical practice staff in England can now book their vaccination appointment
- How the GOC is supporting LGBT+ History month
- New business plan for 2021-22
- GOC erases Plymouth based student optometrist
- New education and training requirements published
- GOC publishes response to COVID-19 statements consultation
- Temporary changes to Optometry Handbook and Supervision policy extended
- GOC suspends Aberdeen based optometrist
- GOC shares findings from therapeutic prescribing literature review
- Statement on misrepresentation and false endorsement of Age-related Macular Degeneration Treatment
- GOC searches for new Chief Executive
- GOC response to Department of Health and Social Care consultation on regulating healthcare professionals, protecting the public
- Nicholas Yeo joins Nominations Committee
- GOC suspends Birmingham based student optometrist
- GOC commissions Sector Partnership for Optical Knowledge and Education
- September 2021 statement: GOC Independent Prescribing handbook requirements
- GOC win diversity and inclusion award
- GOC launches consultation on new requirements for Contact Lens Opticians
- Two thirds of healthcare workers lacked access to appropriate PPE during first lockdown
- News from Council - 22 September 2021
- Annual report on whistleblowing from healthcare regulators published
- PSA report into ethical experiences of healthcare professionals during COVID-19 pandemic
- GOC erases Derbyshire based dispensing optician
- GOC erases Leeds based student dispensing optician
- GOC publishes updated Continuing Education and Training (CET) exceptions policy
- Fourth issue of FtP Focus: on the road to a hearing
- A focus on Education requirements for Optometry and Dispensing Optics
- GOC launches consultation on new approach to illegal practice
- GOC publishes consultations on service of statutory notices by email, remote hearings, and indicative sanctions
- GOC appoints Frank Munro as new registrant council member
- GOC publishes new Speaking Up guidance for registrants
- GOC erases London based student optometrist
- Statement on the Honey Rose High Court case
- GOC appoints Leonie Milliner as new Chief Executive and Registrar
- GOC shares insights from 2021 registrant survey
- GOC launches vital consultation on new requirements for independent prescribing qualifications
- Sector clinical guidance on infection control measures in England after 19 July
- News from Council 14 July 2021
- Delivering safe eye care during easement of COVID-19 restrictions
- GOC erases Manchester based student dispensing optician (1)
- GOC suspends Bradford based student optometrist
- 'Never Events' framework to protect patients, public and registrants
- New issue of FtP FOCUS on Case Examiners
- Judgement concerning electronic service
- The General Optical Council launches new website
- News from Council – 8 December 2021
- GOC Council approves updated requirements for independent prescribing categories
- New issue of FtP FOCUS focuses on Fitness to Practise Committee
- GOC publishes new policy on service of notices by email
- 2021 registrant survey: The future of the optical workforce in the UK
- GOC appoints optometrists to new Council Associate roles
- GOC response to Government consultation on removing COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of deployment for health and social care staff
- GOC appoints Steve Brooker as Director of Regulatory Strategy
- GOC suspends student optometrist based in Birmingham
- GOC co-signs letter on the importance of vaccinations
- News from Council - 16 March 2022
- GOC Council approves updated requirements for contact lens opticians
- GOC launches 2022 Registrant Workforce and Perceptions Survey
- GOC meets 17 of 18 Standards for Good Regulation
- GOC calls for evidence on need to change the Opticians Act
- GOC Council Statement on situation in Ukraine
- Updated independent prescribing education and training requirements published
- GOC co-signs letter to student optometrists and student dispensing opticians on vaccinations
- UCLan MSci and MSc optometry programmes fully approved
- Update on competencies process for international applicants
- All UK nations move to COVID-19 ‘green phase’
- New 2022-23 Business Plan published
- Call for New Council Committee Members
- Acting Director of Regulatory Strategy Marcus Dye to depart General Optical Council
- GOC announces Nigel Sully and John Cappock as new Independent Committee Members
- GOC suspends Stourbridge based student optometrist
- GOC suspends Perth based optometrist
- Call for evidence on Opticians Act 1989 and consultation on associated GOC policies
- News from Council – 29 June 2022
- GOC Council approves updated illegal practice protocol
- GOC reveals insights from public perceptions research
- GOC suspends Taunton based dispensing optician
- The GOC call for evidence on the Opticians Act 1989 has closed
- GOC suspends St. Albans based dispensing optician
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- University of Huddersfield optometry programme receives full approval
- GOC erases Leicester based optometrist
- GOC survey provides insight into changing nature of the optical workforce
- Watch our explainer video on new education and training requirements
- GOC suspends West Midlands based optometrist
- GOC suspends Blackburn based optometrist
- GOC erases Leicester based dispensing optician
- Updated contact lens optician education and training requirements published
- CPD registrant record review and provider audit guides launched
- GOC seeks to appoint two new Council members
- GOC erases Denbighshire based dispensing optician
- Eleven new members appointed to our Council’s Committees
- Statement from the Chair of the General Optical Council, Dr Anne Wright CBE and the GOC’s Chief Executive and Registrar, Leonie Milliner
- News from Council – 21 September 2022
- Annual Healthcare Regulators’ Whistleblowing Report 2022 published
- GOC erases Croydon based student dispensing optician
- GOC erases optometrist based in London
- Recruitment starts for new Companies Committee members
- GOC suspends Bristol based optometrist
- GOC suspends Bodedern based dispensing optician
- GOC erases Stafford based dispensing optician
- 2021-2022 Annual Report published
- GOC announces registrant fees for 2023/24
- News from Council – 7 December 2022
- GOC launches consultation on the process for registrants to update their registered gender
- New registrant and lay Council members appointed
- GOC erases Harrow based student dispensing optician
- GOC commissions SPOKE to establish Knowledge Hub
- Join us at 100% Optical
- Become a Council Associate
- GOC erases Gerrards Cross based optometrists from register
- GOC notes Ulster University and Cardiff University as first to meet new education and training requirements
- GOC erases Newark based dispensing optician
- GOC welcomes DHSC consultation outcome on reforming legislation
- GOC suspends Leicester based dispensing optician
- Recruitment begins for CPD Provider Auditors and Registrant CPD Record Reviewers
- GOC suspends Solihull based optometrist from register
- GOC announces three new Business Representatives on Companies Committee
- GOC suspends Southampton based optometrist from register
- PSA review concludes that the General Optical Council meets all Standards of Good Regulation
- GOC launches 2023 Registrant Workforce and Perceptions Survey
- News from Council - 22 March 2023
- GOC suspends Portland based optometrist from register
- GOC announces death of former Chair Gareth Hadley
- GOC publishes response to call for evidence on the Opticians Act and associated policies
- GOC suspends West Midlands based optometrist from register
- GOC suspends Whitland based optometrist from register
- GOC erases Worthing based dispensing optician from register
- GOC erases Manchester based student optometrist from register
- GOC appoints two new Council Associates
- SPOKE releases third project looking at admissions and recruitment, for optometry and dispensing optics qualifications
- GOC looks to appoint ten new members to its Hearings Panel
- New research shows high levels of public satisfaction and trust in optical professions
- Blog
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News and press releases
- Raising concerns
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Registration
- Join the register
- Monthly amendments to the register
- Restore your registration
- Register from overseas
- Register outside the UK
- Renew your registration
- Verification of Ophthalmic Performers List declarations
- Make a declaration
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Education and CPD
- Continuing Professional Development
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Education
- A career in optics
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What to study and where
- Anglia Ruskin University
- Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) College
- Aston University
- Bradford College
- Cardiff University
- City and Islington College
- City, University of London
- College of Optometrists
- Glasgow Caledonian University
- Teesside University
- Ulster University
- University of Bradford
- University of Central Lancashire
- University of Hertfordshire
- University of Highlands and Islands
- University of Huddersfield
- University of Manchester
- University of Plymouth
- University of Portsmouth
- University of the West of England
- Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) Examinations
- Information for Education Providers
- UK routes to registration
- Education Strategic Review
- How we approve new programmes
- Post-registration qualifications
- Education and training requirements (from March 2021)
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Standards and guidance
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Standards of practice for optometrists and dispensing opticians
- 1. Listen to patients and ensure they are at the heart of the decisions made about their care.
- 2. Communicate effectively with your patients
- 3. Obtain valid consent
- 4. Show care and compassion for your patients
- 5. Keep your knowledge and skills up to date
- 6. Recognise, and work within, your limits of competence
- 7. Conduct appropriate assessments, examinations, treatments and referrals
- 8. Maintain adequate patient records
- 9. Ensure that supervision is undertaken appropriately and complies with the law
- 10. Work collaboratively with colleagues in the interests of patients
- 11 . Protect and safeguard patients, colleagues and others from harm
- 12. Ensure a safe environment for your patients
- 13. Show respect and fairness to others and do not discriminate
- 14. Maintain confidentiality and respect your patients’ privacy
- 15. Maintain appropriate boundaries with others
- 16. Be honest and trustworthy
- 17. Do not damage the reputation of your profession through your conduct
- 18. Respond to complaints effectively
- 19. Be candid when things have gone wrong
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Standards for optical businesses
- 1.1 Patients can expect to be safe in your care
- 1.2 Patient care is delivered in a suitable environment
- 1.3 Communication is clear and effective
- 1.4 Patients can give valid consent to treatment
- 2.1 The services you provide are open and transparent
- 2.2 You ensure compliance with relevant regulations
- 2.3 You have a system of clinical governance in place
- 2.4 Confidentiality is respected
- 3.1 Your staff are able to exercise their professional judgement
- 3.2 Staff are suitably trained, qualified and registered
- 3.3 Staff are adequately supervised
- 3.4 Staff collaborate with others, where appropriate
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Standards for optical students
- 1 . Listen to patients and ensure that they are at the heart of the decisions made about their care.
- 2 . Communicate effectively with your patients
- 3. Obtain valid consent
- 4. Show care and compassion for your patients
- 5. Recognise, and work within, your limits of competence
- 6. Conduct appropriate assessments, examinations, treatments and referrals under supervision
- 7. Maintain adequate patient records
- 8. Ensure that supervision is undertaken appropriately and complies with the law
- 9. Work collaboratively with your peers, tutors, supervisors or other colleagues in the interests of patients
- 10. Protect and safeguard patients, colleagues and others from harm
- 11. Ensure a safe environment for your patients
- 12. Show respect and fairness to others and do not discriminate
- 13. Maintain confidentiality and respect your patients’ privacy
- 14. Maintain appropriate boundaries with others
- 15. Be honest and trustworthy
- 16. Do not damage the reputation of your profession through your conduct
- 17. Respond to complaints effectively
- 18. Be candid when things have gone wrong
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The professional duty of candour
- What is the professional duty of candour?
- About this guidance
- Be candid when things have gone wrong
- Speaking to those close to the patient
- Adverse events that did not result in harm or distress
- Learning from adverse events
- Optometrists and dispensing opticians with high profile or management responsibilities
- Consent
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Disclosing confidential information
- Disclosing confidential information
- About this guidance and how it applies to you
- Disclosing confidential information about patients, with or without consent
- Vision and safe driving – what to do if a patient’s vision means they may not be fit to drive
- Other disclosures in the public interest
- Complying with external investigations
- What to do if a patient’s vision means they may not be fit to drive
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Speaking up
- About this guidance and how it applies to you
- What is speaking up?
- Part 1: Guidance for individuals
- A. Why should I speak up?
- B. When to consider speaking up
- C. How to speak up
- D. Protected disclosures
- E. Speaking up to the GOC
- F. After speaking up
- G. Sources of further advice
- Part 2: Guidance for businesses
- A. Your policies and processes
- B. Maintaining and promoting awareness
- C. If someone speaks up about their concerns to you
- Annex: Flowchart summarising speaking up process
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Standards of practice for optometrists and dispensing opticians
- About us
- Standards
- Guidance
-
Publications
- High level principles for good practice in remote consultations and prescribing
- Registration fees 2020-21
- Whistleblowing disclosures annual reports
- A career in vision care
- Guidance for students with a disability
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) – risk of infection from working in the GOC office
- Statement on the redeployment of optometrists or dispensing opticians within pharmacy practice during COVID-19 pandemic
- Statement on Continuing Education and Training (CET) providers for CET provision during the COVID-19 emergency
- Statement on our approach in fitness to practise for the service of documents and facilitating hearings during the COVID-19 emergency
- Statement on Continuing Education and Training (CET) during COVID-19 emergency
- Statement on contact lens aftercare during COVID-19 emergency
- Statement on education provision and approach to quality assurance activity during the COVID-19 emergency
- Statement on optometrists, dispensing opticians and students working in different settings during the COVID-19 emergency
- Statement on supply of spectacles and contact lenses during COVID-19 emergency
- Statement on verification of contact lens specifications during COVID-19 emergency
- Working together policy
- The roles and duties of Hearings panel members
- Remote hearings guide for witnesses
- Supervision policy
- Annual Monitoring and Reporting 2017-2018 sector report
- Notification of Reportable Events and Changes Guidance
- Investigation Committee guidance
- Register of Interests and Gifts and Hospitality
- Council Member Register of Interests
- Senior Management Team Register of Interests
- Qualification under Section 9(2)(c) of the Opticians Act 1989 form
- Cymraeg
- Acceptance criteria
- Acceptance criteria for businesses
- Code of Conduct
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Our responses to other consultations
- GOC response to the Professional Standards Authority’s consultation on approach to performance review
- GOC response to DHSC consultation on regulating healthcare professionals, protecting the public
- GOC response to Health Education England Strategic Framework consultation
- GOC response to Department of Health and Social Care consultation on deciding when statutory regulation is appropriate
- GOC response to Professional Standards Authority’s draft strategic plan for 2023-26
- Standing orders
- Scheme of delegation
- Allocation of roles and responsibilities
- Business plan and budget 2021-22
- Fully qualified identification form
- Supplementary guidance on consent
- Registration fees 2021-22
- FtP FOCUS bulletin - Issue 2
- New provider application process
- Body corporate registration process
- Monthly amendments to the register
- Declarations guidance for bodies coporate
- GOC Certification Guidance
- Declarations guidance for fully qualified registrants
- Declarations guidance for students
- Protocol on the handling of criminal convictions disclosed by registrants
- Perceptions of UK optical education
- Educational patterns and trends
- Professional boundaries in the optical sector
- Concepts and principles consultation - high level findings
- System leaders roundtable statement
- Education Strategic Review consultation response report
- ESR education standards and learning outcomes consultation analysis
- ESR concepts and principles consultation analysis
- ESR consultation Q&A
- Education Strategic Review concepts and principles consultation
- Summary of responses to Call for Evidence
- Publication scheme
- Information Governance Framework and Handbook
- Code of Conduct for providers
- How to use the MyCET online portal
- CET provider and principal contact guide
- CET System Administrator guide
- CET author and learning guide
- CET delivery team guide
- CET scheme principles and requirements
- CET competencies for optometrists
- CET competencies for contact lens opticians
- CET competencies for dispensing opticians
- CET competencies for therapeutic prescribers
- CET provider guidance - logo use
- CET registrant guide 2019-21
- Optometry Handbook 2015
- Dispensing Handbook 2011
- Contact Lens Handbook 2007
- Fit for the future - strategic plan 1 April 2020 to 31 March 2025
- Independent Prescribing Handbook 2008
- Business plan and budget - April 2020 - March 2021
- Recognition of Prior Learning guidance
- Explaining the Education Strategic Review
- Guidance for witnesses in fitness to practise committee hearings
- Expenses policy
- What happens if a complaint is made about me?
- Annual reports and financial statements
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Equality and diversity
- Our approach to monitoring equality, diversity and inclusion
- Welsh Language Scheme
- Gender pay gap report 2019
- Equality, diversity and inclusion monitoring report 2019
- Equality, diversity and inclusion monitoring report 2018
- Equality, diversity and inclusion monitoring report 2017
- Remote hearings protocol and guide impact assessment
- COVID-19 statement on working in different settings impact assessment
- COVID-19 statement on education provision impact assessment
- Equality, diversity and inclusion monitoring report 2020
- Gender pay gap report 2020
- Gender pay gap report 2021
- Equality and Diversity Data Monitoring Report 2021
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion report 2022
- Brexit FAQs
- How to complain about an optician
- Student registration identification form
- COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Fitness to practise guidance for employers
- Guidance for case examiners
- Warning guidance
- Protocol for the investigation and prosecution of criminal offences
- Substantive hearings listing protocol
- Student identification form
- CET exceptions policy
- Student restoration application guidance
- Temporary Optometry Handbook
- Temporary supervision policy
- Effective conditions management 2020
- Dispensing Competencies 2011
- Contact Lens Specialty Competencies 2011
- Optometry Core Competencies Stages 1 & 2 Combined
- Independent prescribing competencies 2011
- Member fees policy
- Contracts and Procurement policy
- Financial regulations
- Reserves policy
- Investment policy
- Members fees 2019-20
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Council meeting papers
- November 2020 council meeting papers
- February 2021 council meeting papers
- July 2020 council meeting papers
- May 2020 council meeting papers
- February 2020 council meeting papers
- September 2021 council meeting papers
- December 2021 council meeting papers
- March 2022 Council meeting papers
- June 2022 Council meeting papers
- September 2022 Council meeting papers
- December 2022 Council meeting papers
- March 2023 Council meeting papers
- How hearings work - a guide for registrants
- Fully qualified restoration identification form
- Fully qualified individual restoration application guidance
- Annual Monitoring and Reporting 2018-2019 sector report
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Policy and research
- 2016-18 CET cycle evaluation report
- Vision and driving report
- Summary of Responses to the GOC's Education Strategic Review 2017
- Accessing efficiency and efficacy gains in health professional regulation
- Europe Economics report: health risk assessment for illegal optical practice
- Research into behaviour of contact lens wearers
- Standards for optometrists, dispensing opticians and optical students consultation report
- Public perceptions research
- Stakeholder perceptions survey
- Optical sector report
- Adjustable focus spectacles
- Risks in the optical professions
- Registrant survey
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Position statements and useful information
- Lissamine green
- Sale and supply of optical appliances
- Fluorescein
- Low vision aids
- FGM mandatory reporting duty
- Joint statement on conflict of interest
- Joint statement on duty of candour
- Statement on testing of sight
- Statement on Adlens adjustable focus spectacles
- Statement on adjustable focus spectacles
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Freedom of information releases
- Freedom of information requests - quarter 1 - 2016-17
- Freedom of information requests - quarter 2 - 2016-17
- Freedom of information requests - quarter 3 - 2016-17
- Freedom of information requests - quarter 4 - 2016-17
- Freedom of information requests - quarter 1 - 2017-18
- Freedom of information requests - quarter 2 - 2017-18
- Freedom of information requests - quarter 3 - 2017-18
- FS50689175 - Freedom of information release
- Corporate complaints and feedback policy
- Acceptable Behaviour when communicating with the GOC policy
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Equality Impact Assessments
- Raising Concerns with the GOC (Whistleblowing) - Equality Impact Assessment
- Council member appointment: Equality Impact Assessment
- Management of Interests policy - Equality Impact Assessment
- Speaking Up (Whistleblowing) Policy - Equality Impact Assessment
- Investigations policy - Equality Impact Assessment
- Information Governance Framework - Equality Impact Assessment
- Non-EEA route to registration for optometrists: Equality impact assessment
- Business Standards implementation - Equality Impact Assessment
- Member appointments process - Equality Impact Assessment
- Disclosing confidential information about patients - Equality Impact Assessment
- COVID-19 Education provision statement - Equality Impact Assessment
- COVID-19 Statement on working in different settings - Equality Impact Assessment
- Remote hearing protocol - Equality Impact Assessment
- ESR consultation report on education and training requirements
- Education Strategic Review Equality, Diversity and Inclusion impact assessment
- Education Strategic Review Financial Impact Assessment
- Risk management strategy and policy
- Keeping everyone safe during hearings
- Guidance notes for hearings
- CET - What’s new? Questions and answers
- CET webinar - update on scheme and impact of COVID-19
- CET webinar - CET CPD review
- FtP FOCUS bulletin - Issue 1
- Audit, Risk and Finance Committee terms of reference
- Accessibility statement
- Nominations Committee terms of reference
- Remuneration Committee terms of reference
- Senior Council member role description
- Letter in support of optometrists and dispensing opticians during COVID-19 emergency
- Consultation on COVID-19 statements: consultation analysis
- Transcript request form
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion monitoring form
- GOC Refit - Request for Proposal
- Knowledge Hub - Request for Proposal
- CET webinar 4 February 2021 - Update on scheme
- CET webinar 4 February 2021 - CPD Guidance for Providers
- CET webinar 4 February 2021 - Questions and answers
- Provider Guide for CPD
- CET webinar 18 May 2021 - Branding guidance
- CET webinar 18 May 2021 - CPD audit protocol
- Revised statement on the re-opening of optical practices during the COVID-19 emergency (24 June)
- Statement on re-opening optical practices during COVID-19 emergency
- Illegal Practice Review - Invitation to Tender
- GOC response to COVID-19 statements consultation
- Contact Lens Optician and Independent Prescribing consultation - Invitation to tender
- Member fees 2021-22
- Annual monitoring and reporting 2019-20 sector report
- FtP FOCUS bulletin - Issue 3
- FtP FOCUS bulletin - Issue 4
- Statement on service of registration notices during the COVID-19 emergency
- Statement on infection prevention and control during the COVID-19 emergency
- Statement on use of technology during the COVID-19 emergency
- Archive - COVID-19 statements
- CET webinar 18 May 2021 - Questions and answers
- GOC Regulated Qualification Framework Project
- Therapeutic prescribing literature review report
- ESR Consultation Response Report - Education and Training Requirements
- Optometrist and dispensing optician EAG Terms of Reference
- Contact Lens Optician EAG Terms of Reference
- Independent Prescribing EAG Terms of Reference
- Expert Advisory Group members - independent prescribing and contact lens opticians
- GOC response to DHSC consultation on 'Regulating healthcare professionals, protecting the public'
- July 2021 council meeting papers
- GOC 'Never Events' framework
- Consultation policy
- Investment Committee terms of reference
- Advisory Panel terms of reference
- GOC Guidance for Case Management Meetings
- The Role and Duties of the Legal Adviser
- The Role and Duties of the Clinical Adviser
- Guidance for hearings on the papers
- Fitness to Practise Committee: Hearings and Indicative Sanctions Guidance
- Guidance on remote hearings
- Continuing Professional Development (CPD): A guide for registrants
- Fitness to Practise Rules
- Statutory and non-statutory approvals
- Registration fees 2022-23
- FtP FOCUS bulletin - Issue 5
- Procurement: Legal Support Services (Fitness to Practise) - Expression of Interest Notice
- IM Remuneration Committee and Audit, Risk and Finance Committee candidate pack
- IM Remuneration Committee and Audit, Risk and Finance Committee advert
- Service of notices by email policy
- Branding guidance for providers of CPD
- CPD branding logos
- Invitation to tender: Stakeholder research 2021/22
- CET dispute form
- Hearings Panel - Declarations Of Interests
- Education Committee Terms of Reference
- Standards Committee Terms of Reference
- Registration Committee Terms of Reference
- Companies Committee Terms of Reference
- Agreed panel disposal policy
- Joint letter on COVID-19 vaccination
- ESR consultation report on education and training requirements for contact lens opticians
- Call for evidence on the Opticians Act and consultation on associated GOC policies
- Invitation to tender: Analysis and reporting on the GOC’s ‘Call for evidence on the Opticians Act and consultation on associated GOC policies’
- Qualifications in Optometry or Dispensing Optics
- Qualifications in Additional Supply (AS), Supplementary Prescribing (SP) and/or Independent Prescribing (IP) categories
- Joint letter to student optometrists and student dispensing opticians on vaccinations
- Decision form
- Form 1A (for optometry and dispensing optics)
- Form 2A (for optometry and dispensing optics)
- Evidence Framework (for optometry and dispensing optics)
- Templates library and guidance
- Template 1 – Introduction to Qualification
- Template 2 – Criteria Narrative
- Template 3 – Qualification Diagram
- Template 4 – Assessment Strategy
- Template 5 – Module Outcome Map
- Template 6 – Outcomes Narrative
- Template 7 – List of Supplementary Documentation
- Template 8 – Mapping to Indicative Guidance
- Template 9 – Programme History
- Business Plan and Budget 2022-23
- Committee Member (Companies, Education, Registration & Standards) Candidate Pack
- Events and Changes Notification Form
- Business registration legislation: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Contact lens legislation: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Sight testing legislation: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Fully qualified identification form example
- Student identification form example
- Illegal practice protocol
- Illegal practice strategy consultation responses
- GOC response to consultation on illegal practice strategy and protocol
- Annual monitoring and reporting 2020-21 sector report
- Member Appointments and Reappointments Guidance
- Qualifications for Contact Lens Opticians
- Guide to audit of providers of CPD
- CPD record review: A guide for registrants
- Council recruitment: candidate information pack
- Scheme of Delegation for Financial Management
- Invitation to tender: Mapping optical businesses
- Invitation to tender: patient and public views on refraction
- Invitation to tender: International comparisons on refraction services with the sight test model in the UK
- Invitation to tender: Clinical advice on refraction for the purposes of the sight test
- Invitation to tender: Knowledge Hub / Information Exchange for GOC Specialist Qualifications
- Companies Committee: Candidate Information Pack
- Welsh language requirement reports
- Registration fee rules 2023-24
- Illegal Practice complaint form
- Management of Interests policy
- Anti-financial crime policy
- Gifts and hospitality policy
- Speaking up policy (for GOC staff)
- Council Associate Candidate Pack 2023
- Member fees schedule 2022-23
- Member Review Policy
- Fitness to Practise Retention Policy
- Form 1C - New Qualification Approval Application - Contact Lens
- Form 2C Notification of adaptation (for existing providers) (CL)
- GOC Evidence Framework (CL)
- Business plan and budget 2023-24
- GOC response to Welsh Government's consultation on mandatory licensing of special procedures in Wales
- Invitation to tender: Patient and public perceptions of the GOC’s standards of practice
- GOC response to DHSC consultation on regulating anaesthesia associates and physician associates
- Hearings Panel Member Campaign Pack
- Clinical Adviser application and information pack
- Legal Adviser application and information pack
- Public Register
- Welcome to our new website
- News and blog