21 October 2025

We respond to GOC consultation on draft guidance on vulnerable patients and sexual boundaries

Consultations Policy Public health 2025

The College of Optometrists has responded to General Optical Council (GOC) consultation on draft guidance on the care of patients in vulnerable circumstances and maintaining appropriate sexual boundaries.

The GOC have developed new guidance to help registrants understand some changes that have been made to their standards. The consultation sought the views on:

  • new guidance on Care of Patients in Vulnerable Circumstances
  • new guidance on Maintaining Appropriate Sexual Boundaries

They were not consulting on the standards themselves, as they have already been subject to full public consultation.

The College welcomes the GOC’s draft guidance which is important to help registrants navigate changes to the standards. However, we have requested that the proposed guidance is strengthened in several areas.

Guidance on care of patients in vulnerable circumstances

The College has requested more guidance on: 

  • managing situations where a vulnerable patient may attend an appointment with a family member, carer or friend 
  • managing consent, and what patient data and information should be shared, as well as handling conversations around chaperoning 
  • managing situations where patients have experienced prior healthcare trauma, digital exclusion, financial vulnerability, and intersectionality
  • providing advice to registrants should they themselves become vulnerable

Guidance on maintaining appropriate sexual boundaries

We have asked for more detail on: 

  • what happens after a report of sexual misconduct has been made
  • what information or support is available to registrants who have been accused
  • where registrants can go for advice or representation, ensuring that there is clear signposting to sources of professional or legal support

We have also requested guidance on: 

  • how the new standards apply in the context of digital communication 
  • what constitutes professional and appropriate digital contact, particularly where personal messages may be sent to patients or colleagues outside of clinical need

Read more

Related news

College publishes its Strategic Plan for 2025-2030

College announces official partners for Optometry Tomorrow 2026

New UK study finds widespread hidden sensory loss
Public health Research

Related further reading

Smoking, eye disease and smoking cessation strategies

An examination of the links between smoking and eye disease.

Public health

An optometrist’s guide to cosmetics and the effects on ocular health

Optometrists should be mindful of making suitable recommendations about cosmetic use and its subsequent removal and this paper provides guidance on its effects on ocular health.

Public health

A clear vision for the future

What the NHS 10-Year Health Plan means for optometry in England

Policy Public health Workforce