GOC publishes Strategic Plan for next three years

The General Optical Council (GOC) has today published its Strategic Plan for 2017/20, with a strong focus on the future of education in the optical professions.

The GOC’s strategic objectives for the next three years are: the learning and development of optical professionals, a targeted approach to regulation, and organisational transformation.

GOC Chair Gareth Hadley said: “It should be no surprise that education is at the heart of our strategic plan. The professions we regulate are changing fast and new technology could render obsolete some of the ways in which our registrants have worked for decades. At the same time, an ageing population and pressures on NHS services mean there is more demand for eyecare services than ever.

“Optometrists and dispensing opticians can play a major part in meeting these demands by taking on new roles, but only if they have the right education and training to support them with these changes. This is why we have placed education at the heart of our plans for the next three years.

“We have received a positive response to our recent Education Strategic Review call for evidence and are committed to making sure that optical professionals are ready to face the challenges of the future.”

In the Strategic Plan the GOC also commits to driving forward improvements to the way it carries out its core regulatory functions. The GOC pledges to build on the progress it has made in modernising its fitness to practise function, together with activity across the organisation including processes and customer service.