GOC sight testing proposals put patient safety at risk, warns AOP

The Association of Optometrists (AOP) has submitted its response to the General Optical Council’s (GOC) consultation on proposed updates to the testing of sight statement and revisions to supervision and delegation standards.

The submission follows extensive engagement with the profession, including member research which highlighted widespread concern that the proposals could weaken patient safeguards and increase pressures on registrants.

In its consultation response, the AOP warns that the proposals could introduce new risks to patient care, increase commercial pressure on practitioners and place greater responsibility on registrants without appropriate authority or protections.

Challenges are raised about the GOC’s draft position that the Opticians Act permits routine separation of the sight test by time, person or place. The AOP also highlights the GOC’s public protection duty to assess foreseeable risks associated with new care models, urging that a lack of evidence of harm cannot be treated as evidence of patient safety.

Research conducted by the AOP shows support for trained practitioners carrying out tests such as IOP, visual fields, OCT and fundus photography, provided that a supervising optometrist is on the premises and able to intervene.

Respondents to the survey also expressed concern that increased delegation and remote working would lead to commercial models that increase throughput and reduce costs, rather than improve patient care.

Adam Sampson, AOP Chief Executive, said: “The response has been clear that the proposals raise fundamental concerns about safety and accountability. The proposals risk adding new layers of responsibility without addressing the underlying issues practitioners face. We have raised measured concerns about the risks within the proposals, and the GOC has the opportunity to ensure that future updates support safe practice and provide the guardrails needed to uphold it.”

The AOP will continue to engage with the GOC as it considers its next steps.

Read the full consultation response.

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For more information, please contact Anjola Sulaiman, Media Communications and PR Manager, at the Association of Optometrists, [email protected] or telephone 0207 549 2062.

Notes to Editors

Association of Optometrists

The Association of Optometrists (AOP) is the voice of the optical profession, representing over 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