GOC clarifies position on optical appliances

Optical appliance sellers brought to the attention of the General Optical Council can now be investigated for breaches of the law following Queen's Counsel advice obtained by the profession's regulatory body.

GOC officers met with optical bodies this week to clarify how it will interpret the law surrounding supply and sale of optical appliances.

Chairman Rosie Varley said: 'A number of concerns have been raised with us [about internet sellers]. Now we have this advice we will be able to investigate these concerns and see if individual suppliers meet the law.'

Reports made to the GOC about the sale and supply of contact lenses and spectacles prompted the GOC to employ the services of Joanna Glynn QC to look at the Opticians Act and provide advice on its meaning.