An 'historic step' towards harmonising the profession across Europe was made in Milan this week when the GOC announced that the European Diploma was now a route to UK registration.
The partial route has been granted conditional approval by the GOC at the five-day meeting of the European Council of Optometry and Optics (ECOO) in Italy.
Candidates who have passed the ECOO Diploma examinations will be eligible for registration with the GOC, provided that the Council is satisfied they have demonstrated a satisfactory scope of clinical practice, and they are proficient in the English language.
The portfolio of clinical experience is analogous to the College of Optometrists 'log book' for pre-registration students in the UK. The GOC will be able to review the adequacy of the portfolio of any candidate applying for registration in the UK. Any assessment will pay particular attention to adequacy in the practical fitting of contact lenses, use and application of diagnostic drugs in a practical setting and clinical experience in the identification of ocular pathology and the relationship between ocular and general disease.
ECOO president Bob Chappell said: 'This partial recognition of the diploma by the GOC is an historic step towards a harmonised profession in Europe.
'We hope that other regulatory bodies will follow the GOC's example.'
GOC deputy registrar and director of education Dian Taylor said: 'The Council has carried out an audit of the diploma examinations. We congratulate ECOO on taking these important steps towards creating a Europe-wide optometry qualification, and we look forward to working with them to continue to develop the assessment.'
Chappell commented that the diploma was designed to promote mobility and a high common standard of practice throughout Europe.
'Diploma candidates will normally either have a recognised qualification enabling them to practise as an optometrist or optician in an EU country, or be in their final year of training for entry to the profession.'
An 'historic step' towards harmonising the profession across Europe was made in Milan this week when the GOC announced that the European Diploma was now a route to UK registration.