Technology, artificial intelligence (AI), sexual harassment and the care of vulnerable patients are just some of the topics included in the General Optical Council’s (GOC) new consultation on revised Standards of Practice for Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians, Standards for Optical Students and Standards for Optical Businesses.
The new draft standards have been revised following extensive stakeholder engagement, including a series of stakeholder conversations with registrants and optical organisations and research into patient and public views of the standards, conducted by Shift Insight.
The GOC has proposed changes to improve public protection, such as strengthening the standards in relation to the care of patients in vulnerable circumstances and the use of technology and AI when providing care. New standards have also been added to set clear expectations in relation to managing communicable diseases and sexual harassment.
The consultation focuses on several areas, including:
Steve Brooker, GOC director of regulatory strategy, said: “The current standards have served the sector well and will mostly remain unchanged. However, we are proposing important revisions to bring the standards up-to-date with developments in technology, strengthen protection for patients in vulnerable circumstances and address negative behaviours in the workplace. It’s extremely important for us to hear from as many stakeholders as possible to ensure that the proposed changes are clear, proportionate, and reflect the current context in which registrants practise, students are trained, and businesses operate. The feedback we receive will be analysed and used to inform the final revisions to the standards.”
Open until 8 May 2024, the consultation can be accessed via the GOC’s Consultation Hub and is available in both English and Welsh. Stakeholders may submit a full or partial response in either language.