To discover how the Opticians Registers can be improved for the benefit of employers, patients and registrants, the GOC is hosting four events around the UK.
To be held this autumn, the consultation meetings will focus on issues such as what information should be published and how the GOC could make the registers more accessible and user friendly.
The consultation is in line with the Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence's desire to see progress in the GOC's communication around the purpose of the register. This aim was outlined in the regulator's annual performance review of the GOC.
The GOC will also be asking for thoughts on its work priorities and 2010-2015 strategies. This will include issues such as what it should be doing to help registrants meet the standards and what it should be doing to protect the public.
Dian Taylor, chief executive and registrar of the GOC, commented: 'The Opticians Registers are at the heart of what we do as a regulator. These consultation events are a great opportunity for us to listen to delegates' views on how we can improve and adapt the registers to fit the needs of patients, the public, registrants and employers. We'll also be taking on board feedback to help formulate the Council's work priorities for the next five years.'
According to the GOC, each event will commence with a short presentation, to be followed by group discussions on developing the registers as well as the Council's 2010-15 strategy. An informal drinks and networking session will follow.
The events are free to attend, but the Council warns that space is limited so delegates should register their interest in advance. Go to www.optical.org or contact Simon Grier on 020 7307 3478 email: sgrier@optical.org