The College responds to the GOC’s thematic review of commercial practices and patient safety
The GOC’s findings indicate strong patient satisfaction with eye care services but identifies that registrants have concerns that commercial pressures could potentially impact their ability to deliver the best possible care to patients, as well as affecting their wellbeing.
“We welcome the opportunity to work with the GOC and other sector bodies to respond to this review and the College will continue to play a key role in driving positive change. We are already taking proactive action to address concerns through our evidence-based review of the College’s Guidance for Professional Practice, which will be published at the end of this year. Following consultation with members and the sector, the updated Guidance will include a new section on culture and governance, setting out the expectation that employers should not use scheduling methods that compromise patient safety. We will host professional development webinars and provide resources to support registrants in understanding and implementing the updated Guidance for Professional Practice throughout 2027.
"The College particularly welcomes the announcement of a review of the GOC's Standards for Optical Businesses to ensure that clinical care and the patient’s best interests should always take precedence, as well as emphasising that optical businesses support registrants’ health and wellbeing. The patient’s best interests should be at the heart of every clinical recommendation, as is reflected in our Guidance for Professional Practice and our ongoing member support, advice and learning activities.
“While the GOC's review recognises that funding is outside of the GOC’s jurisdiction, we must also acknowledge that sustainable and adequate national and local investment is required, across the UK, to ensure and maintain the delivery of safe and effective clinical eye care services and professional education."
Professor Irene Ctori FCOptom, President of The College of Optometrists