Students and fully qualified registrants were encouraged to share their views about job satisfaction, working conditions and future plans in the GOC 2024 Workforce and Perceptions Survey.
Around 4,000 GOC registrants responded to last year’s survey, which will be run this year independently by Enventure Research to ensure responses remain confidential. Last year’s findings revealed that 62% of respondents were satisfied with their role and 40% planned to gain additional qualifications in the coming year.
A further 41% reported experiencing harassment, bullying, or abuse from service users, prompting the GOC to issue a joint-sector statement committing to a zero-tolerance approach to negative behaviours. The body also issued more guidance for registrants to help them complete their CPD requirements and was consulting on strengthened standards of practice in this area.
Steve Brooker, GOC director of regulatory strategy, said: ‘We’re keen to learn if there has been a change in registrants' views and experiences over the last year so we can better understand how they feel about their job and career.
'The findings will help inform GOC policy and assist other optical organisations and government departments who then use the data to identify trends in the workforce across the UK.’
The closing date to take part in the 12-minute survey is April 22 and respondents will be entered into a prize draw to win a £250 online gift card.