We are consulting on two new pieces of draft guidance: maintaining appropriate sexual boundaries and care of patients in vulnerable circumstances. We want to hear your views. Have your say: ow.ly/h4lm50WwzFJ

How can we ensure access to safe and effective eye care for everyone? Read our latest blog which reflects on the findings from our 2025 and public perceptions research: optical.org/resource/how-c…

We've approved the final projects led by the Sector Partnership for Optical Knowledge and Education to support education providers’ transition to the updated education and training requirements. Learn more: optical.org/resource/goc-a…

We're pleased to be included in the Professional Standards Authority good practice guidance on meeting its EDI standard. Examples of our work included are our staff networks, education monitoring & reporting data, & registrant & public research surveys. Find out more: professionalstandards.org.uk/news-and-updat…

There’s just under a week to apply for the vacancy on our Council. We’re seeking to appoint a lay member with experience as a finance professional. It comes at an exciting time as we embark on our new five-year strategic plan. Apply today: optical.org/resource/lay-m…

We have updated our Speaking up guidance following the changes made to our Standards of Practice, which came into effect in January. Read the updated guidance here: optical.org/standards-and-…

We have appointed Marc Stoner as our new Director of Corporate Services. He will join the GOC on 1st September 2025 and will lead our Corporate Services Directorate, which incorporates our finance, facilities , IT and registration teams. Learn more: optical.org/resource/marc-…

Our lived experience research has found that vulnerable patients face challenges to accessing eye care services and have specific needs that can influence their satisfaction levels. Read the full research report to learn more: optical.org/resource/lived…

We have published our research on a risk based framework for sight testing, which concluded that the separation of sight testing components by person, time or place may pose some risks for both the NHS and patients. Read more: optical.org/resource/gener…

We are consulting on two new pieces of draft guidance and we want to hear your views. Is it easy to read and understand? Does it fully reflect the circumstances in which optical professionals learn and practise? Let us know your thoughts: ow.ly/bZAr50WFSH2

Feel like your CPD doesn't always match your career goals? In our latest blog, we look at the importance of completing a personal development plan (PDP) and how it can help you get the most out of your CPD over the three-year cycle: optical.org/resource/plan-…

The next CPD record review period of the 2025-27 cycle starts in September. Registrants will receive an email w/c 8 September 2025 if their CPD records are selected for review. Find out more about the review process: optical.org/cpd/introducti…

MyGOC will be closed from Monday 1 September to Monday 8 September to undergo planned maintenance. We apologise for any inconvenience caused by this and thank you for your patience.

We've published new research exploring the lived experiences of registrants who have experienced harassment, bullying, abuse or discrimination at work, and the impact this has on them and their ability to provide safe patient care. Learn more: optical.org/resource/new-r…

Have you responded to our guidance consultation yet? We want to hear your views on two new pieces of draft guidance - managing appropriate sexual boundaries and care of patients in vulnerable circumstances. Have your say: ow.ly/Rwub50WVQuY

We held our third Council meeting of 2025 yesterday. The agenda included approving a business case for a thematic review into commercial practices and patient safety, the GOC’s Annual Report 2024-25 and the EDI Annual Report 2024-25. Find out more: optical.org/resource/news-…

Our 2025 Workforce & Perceptions survey found that registrants experiencing time or commercial pressures are more likely to report difficulties in providing patients with the sufficient level of care they need. Find out more about the key findings: optical.org/resource/goc-r…

Today we have published the 2025 joint whistleblowing disclosures report, alongside nine other health and social care regulators. Learn more: optical.org/resource/goc-p…

From 2026/27, Glasgow Caledonian University will deliver its BSc Ophthalmic Dispensing qualification under the updated education and training requirements (ETR). Learn more about the ETR: optical.org/etr/

There's only a few weeks left to respond to our consultation on two new pieces of draft guidance - managing appropriate sexual boundaries and care of patients in vulnerable circumstances. Have your say by 21 October: ow.ly/6ECL50X4bNY