GOC updates education requirements

The General Optical Council has temporarily approved changes to its Optometry Handbook and Supervision policy following a consultation.

In light of the coronavirus pandemic the Optometry Handbook, which contains requirements for both students and educators, has been updated to protect patients, students and the public while allowing new practitioners to safely gain clinical experience.

The GOC has broadened the types of experience that can be counted for its requirement for an appropriate breadth of patient experience. Other temporary changes include a reduction in number of patient episodes that students must achieve and acceptance that regulated, fully-qualified non-GOC registrants may supervise students if criteria are met.