GOC appoints first Head of Optometric Advice
The General Optical Council (GOC) has appointed Janice McCrudden as its first Head of Optometric Advice.
This new part‑time role will ensure the GOC’s work is informed by high‑quality, independent clinical insight and professional expertise across its core functions, including education and Continuing Professional Development (CPD), professional standards, fitness to practise, and policy development. The role is focused on policy and processes and is not involved in making individual regulatory decisions (e.g. on fitness to practice cases).
Janice is an IP‑qualified optometrist and Fellow of the College of Optometrists. She brings a strong clinical background with extensive experience across hospital eye services, primary eye care, wider healthcare settings, and medical education.
Her specialist interests include medical retina, dry eye, paediatrics, record keeping, and practice governance. She holds the Evidence‑Based Eye Care and Clinical Audit Module Postgraduate Certificate in Optometry; the Professional Certificate in Medical Retina; the Dry Eye and Contact Lens Retention Certificate; and the Postgraduate Certificate in Therapeutic Prescribing from Cardiff University.
Janice has served as clinical adviser to the Department of Health’s Strategic Planning and Performance Group in Northern Ireland for more than 25 years and regularly acts as an expert witness in civil and regulatory matters. She is an active member of multiple optometry working groups and panels, including as a CPD record reviewer and Education Visitor Panellist for the GOC. Janice has stepped aside from these GOC roles to take up this new role.
Janice McCrudden said:
“I’m delighted to take on this new role. I hope to bring insight from my experience across the profession to support the GOC’s work and ensure the optical professions can deliver safe, effective patient care in a rapidly evolving healthcare environment.”
Steve Brooker, Head of Regulatory Strategy at the GOC, said:
“The Head of Optometric Advice will strengthen the quality and independence of the clinical and professional input underpinning our decision‑making across the GOC.”
“We are delighted to welcome Janice to the GOC. Her extensive experience and deep understanding of clinical practice will ensure our policy development and regulatory decision-making will be informed by robust, independent expert advice.”
