Curriculum Guidance
This information is intended to support course teams and approval panels by providing references to resources and examples of good practice for each of the revised GOC learning outcomes.
Curriculum design
The following resources were produced to support qualification providers with the roll-out of the GOC's new Outcomes for Approved Qualifications in Optometry or Dispensing Optics, Outcomes for Approved Qualifications for Contact Lens Opticians and Outcomes for Approved Qualifications in additional supply (AS), supplementary prescribing (SP) and independent prescribing (IP). They provide more detail on the content that is expected to be in the new pre-registration qualifications, and give examples of the types of assessment that could be used for the new GOC outcomes.
Pedagogic innovation
SPOKE Project Two looked at best practice approaches to teaching and learning for student optometrists and dispensing opticians, including case studies and examples of good practice from individuals and course teams from across the UK and internationally. Examples that addressed the newer aspects of optical education outlined in the GOC outcomes 4-7, and methods to develop clinical competence through Miller’s pyramid were particularly welcomed. The case studies submitted can be found by following the link below:
Current sector challenges
This project titled ‘Admissions and Recruitment: State of the Art and Plans for the Future’ considers current admissions processes, attracting the right calibre of candidates and how interest in optical careers can be increased. Data was collected through desk-based research and from university representatives coupled with sector stakeholder discussions and an online survey.
Project Three - ‘Enhancing the scope of practice in optical professionals’, was developed through a series of workshops with representatives from across the sector. The resulting report acknowledges the great deal of enthusiasm for, and value placed upon, qualifications to enhance the scope of practice of optical registrants.