The AOP’s Council discussed a number of big issues at its October meeting. Two of the most important topics were the upcoming GOC strategic education review, and potential changes to the way optical professionals will be regulated.
The current system of health professional regulation sees nine bodies regulating 32 professions in the UK – about 1.44million professionals. In optics we of course have the GOC for optometrists and dispensing opticians, while orthoptists are regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council.
We believe a government white paper may come out soon. It is possible it will have a number of significant proposals. For example it may propose the number of health regulators be reduced, through mergers. It may propose a single register for all health professionals as the Professional Standards Authority has recommended in its recent report ‘Regulation rethought’.
The GOC is set to launch its Call for Evidence for its strategic review of education very soon. It has set up this review to ensure quality of education remains fit for purpose as technological advances and enhanced services change the nature of the professions – and as patient need changes with the ageing population.
The review represents the biggest re-evaluation of education for a considerable period of time and could lead to fundamental changes in pre and post-registration education and CET.
The Optical Confederation Education Committee will be meeting in November to discuss how education for optical professionals should change.
We want to hear AOP members’ views on these topics, so we can protect their interests. AOP councillors have posted questions on our community forums which all AOP members can access. Visit community.aop.org.uk.
