10 September 2026

Have your say on the GOC's consultation on testing of sight and delegation

The GOC is consulting on an update to its 2013 Statement on the testing of sight, alongside proposed changes to the Standards of Practice for Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians and the Standards for Optical Students.

The amended statement clarifies the elements of a sight test that can be delegated and states that refraction for the purposes of issuing a prescription cannot.

The proposals also consider how the sight test may evolve in response to changes in practice, technology and new models of care. In particular, the GOC proposes that some components of the sight test could be separated by person, time and/or place. The GOC is also seeking views on supervision of students and overseeing delegated activities, including the possibility of remote oversight of delegated activities.

The future of optometry

These proposals raise important questions for the profession about the nature of the comprehensive sight test, the role and responsibility of the optometrist, patient safety, clinical governance, public confidence and the future development of optical practice.

Member views are important

The College is preparing a formal response to the GOC consultation and would like to understand our members’ views. Your feedback will inform the College's response.

The survey is anonymous and should take approximately 15–20 minutes to complete.

How to submit your views

The consultation document is available on the GOC website. You can download a copy of the GOC's proposed updated Statement on Testing of Sight and their proposed amendments to the Standards related to supervision below.

Please submit your response by 5pm on 28 September 2026.

Thank you for taking the time to contribute to the College's response.

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