The College of Optometrists responds to the GOC’s 2025 Workforce Perceptions and Survey Findings
College welcomes the GOC’s thematic review on commercial practices and patient safety.
“As the professional body for optometry, the College is concerned by the findings from the General Optical Council’s (GOC) 2025 Workforce and Perceptions Survey. The results highlight the significant pressures faced by many optical professionals in their day-to-day practice and the risks these pressures pose to both professional wellbeing and patient care. It’s critical that we listen to and understand these candid viewpoints from practitioners.
“Providing excellent patient care is at the heart of our members’ practice. To support this, the College sets out clear professional guidance stating that optometrists should:
- prioritise patient safety and care above commercial interests
- take sufficient time to conduct eye examinations and to communicate effectively with patients
- raise concerns where pressures or systems compromise patient safety
“In addition to experiences of organisational pressure to meet commercial targets, chronic underfunding of NHS sight tests is forcing many optometrists to see more patients in less time. Adequate funding for sight tests would enable clinicians to have the sufficient time needed to complete all clinically indicated tests for all patients.
“The survey results indicate that too many practitioners are working in environments where professional standards are difficult to uphold, which can lead to burnout and a decline in job satisfaction. We welcome the GOC’s thematic review to identify the action needed to better support registrants in meeting the standards set out in our Guidance for Professional Practice and to deliver the best possible eye care for patients.”
Dr Gillian Rudduck MCOptom, President of The College of Optometrists