GOC RELEASED NEW TRAINING REQUIREMENTS FOR PRACTITIONERS

The General Optical Council (GOC) has recently introduced new training requirements for practitioners in the field. These new requirements aim to improve the standards of optometry and dispensing optics, and to ensure that practitioners have the necessary skills and knowledge to provide safe and effective care to patients. 

What does the general optical council do?  

They GOC provide guidelines and rules for those working in the optical industry. They hold the general optical council register of all Optometrists, dispensing opticians and student optometrists. They also hold details for optical businesses and practitioners with specialist qualifications who are qualified and fit to practice, train or carry on business.

What changes have the GOC made?   

One of the key changes introduced by the Optical Council is the requirement for optometrists and dispensing opticians to complete a minimum of 30 hours of continuing professional development (CPD) every three years. This CPD must be relevant to their practice and must cover a range of topics, including clinical governance, patient safety, and professional conduct. 

In addition to this, the GOC has also introduced new training requirements for optometrists and dispensing opticians who wish to prescribe and supply topical medications. These practitioners must now complete additional training and assessment in the use of topical medications, and must demonstrate their competence in this area before they can prescribe and supply these treatments. 

The GOC has also made changes to the training requirements for pre-registration optometrists. These practitioners must now complete a minimum of 1,000 hours of supervised practice before they can register with the GOC. This increase in the number of hours is designed to ensure that pre-registration optometrists have the necessary skills and knowledge to provide safe and effective care to patients. 

New guidance for pre-registration optometrists

Furthermore, the GOC has introduced new training requirements for supervisors of pre-registration optometrists. Supervisors must now complete a minimum of 6 hours of CPD every three years, which must cover topics related to supervision and mentorship. This is to ensure that supervisors have the necessary skills and knowledge to provide effective support and guidance to pre-registration optometrists. 

In conclusion, the new training requirements introduced by the GOC aim to improve the standards of optometry and dispensing optics, and to ensure that practitioners have the necessary skills and knowledge to provide safe and effective care to patients. These changes will benefit patients by ensuring that they receive care from practitioners who are up-to-date with the latest developments in their field, and who have the necessary skills and knowledge to provide safe and effective care. 

To read more about these changes, we recommend visiting the GOC website.

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