In focus: GOC sets timeline for education review

By September of this year optics should have taken its first steps towards a more modern and fit-for-purpose education system.

The Education Strategic Review has drawn interest from across the optical sector as eye care professionals have their say on the future of eye care training. For many it represents a turning point for CET, higher qualifications, optometry and dispensing courses.

Releasing latest findings ahead of its council meeting at Old Bailey this week, GOC chair Gareth Hadley rallied the profession to work together in enhancing the clinical experience of student optometrists and dispensing opticians.

He said: ‘It is clear that the sector recognises the likely benefits of enhanced clinical experience in education programmes, for patient care and the quality of clinical practice, and we acknowledge the various concerns raised by stakeholders regarding how this would be realised in practice.