As part of their retention declarations for 2016-17, all business registrants to the General Optical Council (GOC) had to confirm that they had read and would abide by a Code of Conduct, which was revised in 2016. The new Standards for Optical Businesses represent the latest update to best practice recommendations for business registrants.
The standards have been revised with reference to extensive analysis of the feedback received during a consultation with patients and the profession, which ran earlier in the year. It received 351 unique responses and was supplemented by a series of focus groups and meetings with patients, professional bodies and employers, allowing the GOC to reflect the changing industry in the new standards.
Head of Standards and CET at the GOC, Marcus Dye, said: ‘The new Standards will replace the current Code of Conduct for Businesses and set out our expectations of business registrants more clearly. They have been updated to maintain consistency with the Standards of Practice for Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians and will ensure patient safety in a fast-changing landscape faced with new technology, an ageing population and expanding scopes of practice.’
During the consultation the draft standards were largely supported, with many of those consulted reporting that they simply represented ‘what businesses do anyway’. However, the GOC did make small amendments, especially in ensuring that the standards are proportionate and ensure a fair balance of professional responsibilities between businesses and staff working for them. Flexibility was also emphasised in the writing of the standards, ensuring that they are widely applicable across all four nations of the UK.
Professional Response
In addition to the release of the new GOC standards, various professional associations have released their own guidance on how they should be interpreted and implemented in practice.
The Association of Optometrists (AOP) has published comprehensive guidance for its members. Dr Peter Hampson, the association’s clinical director, welcomed the release of the standards, saying: ‘The new business standards should help to redress the balance between the expectations placed on individual registrants and those placed on businesses. This was one of the AOP’s main areas of concern in the GOC’s previous standards. The most significant change is the section relating to Your Staff which places far greater emphasis on businesses supporting staff development. The 2016 Code of Conduct was largely silent in this area, but this section formalises the requirement to support employees in their day to day roles.
‘At times, some of our employed members have felt that the expectation on individuals has been disproportionate – placing unfair responsibility on them over that of the business, so this improved alignment will be a welcome change. Our member guidance on the new business standards is designed to help a smooth transition to meet requirements.’
Highlighting how the new GOC standards can be met, the AOP’s guidance walks members through how to navigate the three main areas, which include patients, culture and governance, and staff.
The Federation of Ophthalmic and Dispensing Opticians (FODO) has also both welcomed the new standards and released guidance for its members. FODO managing director Harjit Sandhu said: ‘As the GOC recognises, the new standards largely represent existing good practice for optometrists and dispensing opticians and optical students. But they have been updated and show just how far the eye health sector has moved forward since the original code was published. The FODO guidance will help eye care providers implement the new standards effectively.’
Harjit Sandhu
Online guidance
A new microsite has been launched by the GOC to supplement the new standards and presents them in an accessible and searchable format, allowing opticians and optical business owners to easily find information. Featuring supporting guidance, videos with top tips about how to apply the standards and a FAQ section, the website will be updated regularly with blog posts and interviews with opinion leaders to provide guidance.
GOC director of strategy Alistair Bridge commented: ‘We hope that our new standards website will be a useful resource for all registrants and optical business owners. I would also like to encourage anyone who would like to learn more about the new Standards for Optical Businesses to register for our CET accredited webinar on October 24. The webinar presents a great opportunity to engage with us directly.’
The GOC website can be accessed at standards.opticial.org.
