I’m still only a few weeks into my new role as chief executive and registrar of the General Optical Council, but a number of things have struck me already.
First and foremost, it’s clear what an exciting time this is for the optical professions. Already it’s evident to me just how quickly the professions are changing.
There is great potential for optometrists and dispensing opticians to take on new areas of work, expanding their scopes of practice to deliver positive outcomes for patients.
The speed at which new technology is developing is exciting too. But it is seen both as an opportunity, in delivering new treatments to patients, and as a threat in disrupting traditional ways of working and challenging us at the GOC as to how we regulate in new environments.
Our Education Strategic Review is central to preventing regulation from being a barrier to progress during this time, while ensuring that patients are kept safe; I am determined that we will deliver on it.
Another thing that is clear to me is the passion that the professions have for the work they do, and the will to improve things. We know we have to listen to a wide range of voices in order to be an effective regulator, particularly given the fast pace of change. That the professions are so willing to engage with us is really encouraging.
And finally I’ve been struck by the warm welcome I’ve received from throughout the sector since I started on 4 September. Already I’ve had some great conversations with a really diverse range of people. I’m looking forward to meeting many more of you in the coming weeks and months.