GOC shakes up optical business regulation

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.