To begin, I’d like to say how pleased I am to be joining the General Optical Council (GOC) as its Interim chief executive and registrar. It’s an exciting time to be joining the GOC as the optical sector continues to evolve. I look forward to meeting with stakeholders to better understand how the work of the GOC in protecting the public will be impacted by these changes and by our own efforts to continuously improve the work we do.
I’ve taken on this role in the midst of some important developments in the standards we apply and in the education sphere of our work. The Fit for the Future consultation on CET and the Education Strategic Review are both important efforts to modernise optical education, ensuring that optical students and professionals are confident in their ability to carry out their work and are equipped to face challenges such as an ageing population and an increased demand for eye care services.
We are currently reviewing feedback on the draft Standards for Optical Businesses. The new standards will be consistent with the Standards for Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians, which were revised and implemented in April 2016. It’s been encouraging to receive such a high response to the consultation and we are working hard to analyse carefully all the feedback before our council signs off the final version in February and the new standards take effect from mid-2019.
I have seen evidence already of the efforts staff make to engage with registrants and with business as they develop their proposals and feel positive that in this way, we will continue to protect the public and ensure optical professionals are better prepared for the challenges ahead.