High level Education Strategic Review consultation responses show support for new education approach

The GOC has today published some high level findings from its Education Strategic Review concepts and principles consultation.

The high level summary publication shows 97 per cent of respondents agreed with the development of new education standards for optometrists and dispensing opticians. 82 per cent agreed with embedding clinical experience progressively from the start of education programmes.

Stakeholders also showed support for the GOC further informing its education requirements with its Standards for Practice for Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians, with 84 per cent in favour of embedding professionalism into education and training programmes.

GOC Chief Executive and Registrar, Vicky McDermott said: “We are delighted to have received many supportive responses to the consultation that will enable us to work at pace to develop our detailed proposals to equip future professionals with the skills, knowledge and behaviours needed to practise safely and competently in a changing sector.

“We will make concerted progress in the coming months to transform these concepts into workable approaches for the future.”

The GOC’s Education Strategic Review concepts and principles consultation ran from December 2017 to March 2018, comprised 21 questions and sought feedback on 11 concepts and principles. A total of 36 responses were received to the consultation, 26 from organisations and 10 from individuals.

The GOC has also commissioned a full independent analysis of the consultation feedback and will publish this separately.

To read the high level findings summary please visit: https://www.optical.org/en/Education/education-strategic-review/supplementary-reading.cfm