New rules on how businesses in the optical sector are registered that will impact upon the supply of contact lenses have been approved by the General Optical Council.
Under the new system, registration will be based around restricted functions instead protected titles.
The proposed measures would mean that rather than a business’ name dictating whether it has to be GOC-registered, all businesses carrying out restricted functions would be required to register.
Functions falling into this category would include sight testing, contact lens fitting, supply of contact lenses and spectacle sales to the under-16s and registered blind or partially sighted people. A revised code of conduct more aligned with the risks that can arise from business practices will also be introduced for business registrants.
The GOC said the rules would create a level playing field, with all businesses being regulated in a proportionate and consistent way.
The new measures are subject to a change in legislation and the GOC said it was unlikely that they would be introduced before 2016/17. The UK Law Commissions and Department of Health will now be informed of the GOC’s decision as they are responsible for legislative changes underpinning all of the UK healthcare regulators’ powers.
Samantha Peters, GOC chief executive and registrar, said: ‘These proposals will lead to a fairer and more consistent system of business regulation. By regulating businesses based on their functions rather than their name we can enhance public protection and give people confidence that optical businesses carrying out restricted activities are meeting our standards.’
