Optical sector bodies urge GOC to rethink approach to CPD reform

The UK’s main optical sector bodies have responded to the General Optical Council’s (GOC) consultation on proposed reforms to continuing professional development (CPD), warning that the current proposals could have implications for public protection if not carefully implemented and may introduce uncertainty for registrants.

The Association of Dispensing Opticians (ABDO), the Association of Optometrists (AOP), the College of Optometrists and the Federation of Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians (FODO) have written to the regulator to set out shared concerns and principles that they believe must underpin any future CPD framework.

While the sector bodies support the GOC’s ambition to move towards a more flexible, outcomes‑focused approach to CPD, they say the consultation does not yet provide sufficient confidence that the transition will be managed effectively or in line with the regulator’s statutory objectives.

In their joint letter, the organisations stress that any new CPD system must:

• Maintain public protection as its core purpose
• Provide registrants with clear expectations about the CPD required to remain on the register
• Be grounded in evidence, including research into patient safety risks and the effectiveness of different forms of learning
• Be informed by a full assessment of costs, benefits and potential unintended consequences
• Be capable of consistent application across the whole optical sector.

The bodies also express concern about proposals to place additional responsibilities on optical businesses, including oversight of personal development plans. They argue this would be challenging to implement consistently, particularly given that not all registrants are employed by optical practices, and not all businesses are currently regulated by the GOC.

The organisations are calling on the GOC to work closely with the sector to ensure any reforms are workable, proportionate and genuinely supportive of professional standards over the long term.

Alistair Bridge, CEO of ABDO commented: “ABDO fully supports the move towards CPD that is meaningful, outcomes‑focused and relevant to day‑to‑day practice. However, reform must be built on clear evidence, a realistic assessment of impact, and above all an unwavering commitment to public protection. Our message to the GOC is simple: work with the profession to get this right, because poorly designed change risks creating confusion rather than improving standards.”

Dr Ian Beasley, Head of Education of AOP said: “Most other health professions already have the sort of freedom that the GOC is proposing for professionals in optics. We know that many of our members experience the current system for recording their CPD as bureaucratic. All of our members appreciate clarity and structure in their professional lives, and it is the job of GOC to provide that with any reforms it makes.”

Michael Guthrie, Director of Policy and Regulation of FODO, said, "We welcome the movement to a more outcomes-based approach which supports optometrists and dispensing opticians to undertake the CPD that best meets their needs. However, the GOC should avoid an unnecessarily prescriptive system for businesses, which might add to regulatory burdens and costs without any clear benefits."  

Ian Humphreys, CEO of the College of Optometrists, said, “The College welcomes the GOC’s consultation as an opportunity to update the CPD framework and increase the flexibility and diversity of the CPD system. But we would caution that any reforms must also minimise bureaucracy and create a more efficient mechanism for auditing registrants and providers that remains rooted in maintaining professional standards and patient safety, while enabling registrants to take ownership of their own CPD.” 

Ends

For more information, please contact Serena Box, at the Association of Optometrists, [email protected] or telephone 020 7549 2040.

Notes to Editors

Association of Optometrists

The Association of Optometrists (AOP) is the voice of the optical profession, representing 80% of practising optometrists. The AOP elevates the work of its members, safeguards their interests, and champions eye health across the UK. For more information, visit www.aop.org.uk

ABDO

The Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) is the professional body for dispensing opticians – working for dispensing opticians and advancing the profession in the UK and worldwide.

The College of Optometrists

The College is the professional body for optometry. It qualifies the profession and delivers the guidance and training to ensure optometrists provide the best possible care. We promote excellence through the College’s affixes, by building the evidence base for optometry, and raising awareness of the profession with the public, commissioners, and health care professionals. 

FODO

FODO is the leading national association for eye care providers working in primary and community care settings. Each year our members provide over 18 million eye examinations and offer a wide range of other eye care services across the UK.