In focus: Time is of the essence as GOC reviews education

Optics has come a long way over the past few decades, making spectacles the height of fashion, contact lenses more comfortable and eyes healthier through pioneering technology.

Audiology has become part of the family, and patients can now access more clinical eye services without having to visit the hospital. Independent prescribing takes this one step further.

In response to the changing landscape, the General Optical Council embarked on its Education Strategic Review last year, exploring the roles that optometrists and dispensing opticians play in delivering eye care.

Its call for evidence noted an ageing population, overstretched hospital eye services and new technologies available to both patients and practices. Students were understandably the primary focus, but CET for registered dispensing opticians, contact lens opticians, optometrists and independent prescribers was also scrutinised.