A1.5 Gender recognition

A1.5 In the UK, individuals who meet statutory criteria may apply for and obtain a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC) under the Gender Recognition Act 2004, which provides legal recognition of their acquired gender for most legal purposes and affords enhanced privacy protections in relation to gender history.

In line with the General Optical Council (GOC) Standards of Practice, eyecare professionals must treat all patients with dignity, respect and fairness, and must not discriminate unlawfully. Practitioners should communicate with patients in a respectful and person-centred manner, including using names, gender and pronouns in accordance with the individual’s expressed identity, regardless of whether a GRC has been obtained.

Patient information must be recorded, used and disclosed appropriately and lawfully, in accordance with the Equality Act 2010, the Gender Recognition Act 2004, and applicable data protection legislation. Registrants are responsible for ensuring that their practice environment and record-keeping arrangements support patient dignity, confidentiality and trust.