ABDO endorses GOC renewal declarations

Dispensers' body ABDO has told its members to complete the latest GOC renewal documents, despite the reservations the AOP has for its optometrist members.

ABDO's reaction follows last week's news that the AOP has advised its members not to complete their 2005 GOC renewal forms. 

The issue is over whether practitioners should sign a declaration sheet for matters including previous convictions and professional indemnity insurance.

The AOP is currently discussing the situation with the GOC, claiming the Council does not have the powers to ask registrants for the information. However, ABDO's general secretary Anthony Garrett has said that there is 'no reason why most, if not all members, should not complete the declaration now'.

He continued: 'As yet the GOC does not have the legal power to ask for such information. However, they will have shortly and all of the optical organisations have been consulted about this. It is likely that the new GOC powers will be in place before the end of March.'

ABDO's advice to its members is that by not completing the declaration now 'your registration form will not be returned to you but you will still be required to complete the declaration at a later date'.