Being informed that the GOC would like to spend a little time with you can be the stuff of nightmares for some optical practitioners. However, there's a perfectly simple reason for its eagerness to meet up with registrants, as it announces a forthcoming series of consultation events with the aim of improving the Opticians Registers.
While tackling issues such as the information needed for the Registers and how to make them more accessible, the GOC will also look ahead at how it can help registrants meet the standards.
The issue of fitness to practise, the light-hearted reference above aside, is no laughing matter and being as clear as possible on the standards required is essential. A letter to Optician in next week's issue raises the dangers around making a correct diagnosis which is then missed in hospital. Aside from the possibility of an unsatisfactory outcome, FTP complaints can arise out of such a situation. Nick Rumney, prompted by the recent article on a retinal detachment that was discovered in practice and missed by a junior doctor (A narrow escape 21.08.09), urges practitioners to stick to their guns and be prepared to ruffle a few procedural feathers.
That's not necessarily what you should do at the GOC's consultation events, but they do provide an opportunity to explain your concerns and wishes direct to the organisation in Cardiff, Birmingham, or Belfast in September and Edinburgh in October.