GOC pilot of new triage process welcomed

The Association of Optometrists (AOP) welcomes the latest announcement from the General Optical Council (GOC) launching a four-month pilot of an enhanced triage process. The new process will enable them to close cases earlier, where there is no risk to the public.

AOP Chief Executive, Henrietta Alderman, said: “It is reassuring to see that the GOC is taking a more pragmatic approach towards fitness to practise investigations, which will speed up the process. Current delays in the system cause unnecessary distress to practitioners. We are pleased that the GOC is taking this issue forward as a priority and we hope it will mean a fairer and more proportionate system for our members.” 

Sam Thomas, AOP Interim Head of Professional Discipline explained some of the work the AOP has been doing to support the pilot: “We have been working with the GOC and the Optical Consumer Complaints Service (OCCS) on the Acceptance Criteria and believe that it will improve the often long and cumbersome fitness to practise process that some members have to face. Our hope is that the pilot is successful and that the criteria is expanded in the future. We encourage all members to cooperate with the GOC on the new Acceptance Criteria, and also with the OCCS when they are involved.”

The pilot will run until 31 December 2019 and will include further consultation.

Earlier this year the AOP responded to the GOC’s consultation on new criteria and guidance.

Ends

For more information, please contact Serena Box, PR and Media Manager, at the Association of Optometrists, [email protected] or telephone 020 7549 2063.

Notes to Editors

Association of Optometrists

The Association of Optometrists (AOP) is the leading representative membership organisation for optometrists in the UK. We support over 82% of practising optometrists, to fulfil their professional roles to protect the nation’s eye health. For more information, visit www.aop.org.uk