The General Optical Council has issued a call for evidence as it launches a strategic review of the standards it sets for optometrists and dispensing opticians.
It said the review would enable optical professionals to develop their roles, such as delivering more enhanced services in the community.
The call for evidence asks stakeholders to consider how optometrists and dispensing opticians’ scopes of practice may evolve in the future.
GOC chief executive and registrar Samantha Peters said: ‘An increasing number of older people, pressures on the NHS and new technology will all have a significant impact on the optical sector in the coming years.
‘It is crucial that our standards reflect the changing nature of optical care – allowing practitioners to flourish while ensuring patient safety remains paramount. To help us in this project I’d encourage all of our stakeholders to consider how the world of optics may change in the coming years and feed into our call for evidence.’