Consultation launched on reforms to GOC CPD scheme
The General Optical Council (GOC) has launched a consultation on proposed reforms to its Continuing Professional Development (CPD) scheme for fully qualified optometrists and dispensing opticians, with some changes expected to begin from the 2028–30 CPD cycle.
The proposals would shift the CPD scheme away from a minimum points-based system towards one which is more outcomes-focused, with registrants having greater freedom to design their own CPD approach.
The GOC would also leverage the role of business registrants in supporting CPD, as businesses have a closer relationship with registrants and are well placed to identify and support individuals’ learning and development needs.
In addition, as the only regulator currently approving and auditing CPD providers, and with registrant satisfaction with CPD provision reported to be high, the GOC proposes to end provider approval and audit arrangements.
Some aspects of the CPD scheme, such as the minimum points requirements, are prescribed in legislation through the CPD Rules 2021. As there is unlikely to be parliamentary time to amend this prior to the start of the next CPD cycle in 2028, the GOC proposes a phased approach to reform.
Proposed changes from the start of the 2028–30 CPD cycle include:
-
Adjusting the allocation of points for different activities to reduce the overall volume of CPD activities needed to achieve the required points total
-
Using the points system to better incentivise the pursuit of post-registration qualifications
-
Reviewing the CPD 'domains’ – the topics CPD must cover over the cycle
-
Removing requirements that may hinder registrants’ use of self-directed CPD, including ending the need for minimum provider-led sessions and the need for a reflective statement for each self-directed activity
-
Amending the GOC’s Standards for Optical Businesses to leverage the role of business registrants in supporting CPD
-
Reducing the number of CPD events requiring prior approval from the GOC before CPD providers can convert from provisionally approved to fully approved status
-
Phasing out CPD provider audits, where providers’ records are assessed to ensure they are providing good quality learning, and withdrawing the GOC’s Standards for CPD Providers.
Further proposals, subject to legislative change, include:
-
Abolishing the points system entirely
-
A new approach to compliance with registrants making an annual declaration as part of registration renewal that they have carried out sufficient learning to maintain their competence and kept adequate records. The GOC would review a sample of records and registration could be removed if CPD is assessed as inadequate, subject to remediation and appeal.
-
Ending the need for the GOC to approve CPD providers.
Steve Brooker, the GOC’s Director of Regulatory Strategy, said:
“We want to complete our journey, begun through the previous reforms implemented in 2022, towards a more flexible and less prescriptive CPD system.
Our proposals aim to maximise registrants’ freedom to undertake learning that is relevant to their personal scope of practice and supports their career progression, while reducing the regulatory burden on registrants and CPD providers.
We intend to go as far as possible within the current legislation towards our vision for reform for the next cycle, with further changes, including the removal of points, following legislative change.”
The consultation will be open until 19 April 2026. Visit the GOC's consultation hub to respond.
The GOC will be running online consultation events with registrants and CPD providers during the consultation period, which will be advertised in due course.
