Gareth Hadley, Chair of the General Optical Council (GOC), is today calling for more collaboration and cooperation between the wider health system and the optical sector.
Gareth’s call follows the regulator today publishing a summary of its recent discussions about the potential future direction of eye health and vision services in the UK.
Following a health system leaders’ roundtable meeting, held by the GOC in November as part of its Education Strategic Review, the new document summarises key themes from the meeting. These include the importance of developing increased collaboration, cooperation and integration between eye health and vision services and wider health systems, and equipping future optical professionals with the skills and knowledge to practise safely and competently in new and different ways.
Gareth Hadley said:
“We know that throughout the UK more optical services are being delivered in new and innovative ways, including in a variety of community settings. Our role at the GOC is to ensure new practitioners are equipped to practise safely and competently in this evolving landscape. That is why our Education Strategic Review is such a key priority for us over the next two years.
“But it is also vital that the optical and wider health sector pursue a joined up and collaborative approach to ensure the delivery of safe, accessible and cost effective eye health and vision services that patients have confidence in and can navigate easily.”
To read the summary statement please visit here