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The GOC celebrates its 50th anniversary on July 7 which also marks 50 years to the day since the beginning of statutory regulation for optometrists and dispensing opticians, as created by the Opticians Act.

To mark its 50th anniversary, Council members past and present, along with optical bodies, charities and other partner organisations, gathered in London on Wednesday (July 2) to celebrate the Council's achievements.

GOC chairman Rosie Varley told guests: 'This is a milestone for both the GOC and the optical professions. Optical regulation has changed significantly over the past half-century, to keep pace with clinical developments in optometry and dispensing optics, and the settings in which eye care is provided. Both professions have come a long way since 1958, and continue to grow and adapt.'

She also commended chief executive and registrar Peter Coe who is retiring this month after seven and half years in office. 'More than any other person he has been responsible for opening up the GOC and establishing the partnerships that have made possible the pioneering developments we are celebrating tonight,' she said.

Looking ahead Varley added: 'We have many reasons to look forward with excitement: the prospect of dispensing opticians and optometrists extending their roles further as full members of local primary health provision developments in technology and in communication that create worldwide opportunities and, for the GOC, a new constitution that will streamline and strengthen the Council, and separate its strategic and governance role from the delivery of its regulatory functions.'

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