Policy briefing: The GOC’s proposals for reform to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) 

The GOC has launched a consultation on reforms to the system for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for optometrists and dispensing opticians.

If approved, the changes would start to be introduced for the 2028-2030 CPD cycle.

The proposals involve a move away from the current points-based system towards a more outcomes-focused approach. The aim is to give registrants greater flexibility to tailor CPD to their scope of practice and career stage. A stronger role for optical businesses in supporting CPD is also envisaged.

The GOC reports that there is high satisfaction from CPD users with CPD provision, and that therefore there is little benefit to continuing to audit CPD providers. It therefore proposes to end this role.

As elements of CPD are set out in legislation, some of the proposals would require parliamentary time to be brought into effect. Therefore, the proposal is to introduce the changes in phases.

Phase 1 (within the confines of current legislation) includes:

• Retention of 36 CPD points with possible adjustments to the allocation of points based on the volume of activity required
• Using the points system to incentivise post registration qualifications
• Reviewing CPD domains
• Removing barriers to self-directed CPD, including the maximum provider-led sessions and reflective statements for each activity
• Updating the standards for optical businesses to leverage the role of business registrants in supporting CPD
• Phasing out CPD provider audits and CPD provider standards.

Phase 2 (subject to legislative change) includes:

• Abolishing CPD points entirely and replacing it with a requirement for registrants to make annual declarations during renewal that they have kept adequate records and completed enough to maintain competence. The GOC would then review a sample of the CPD records and a practitioner’s registration could be removed if their CPD is assessed as inadequate
• Removing the need for GOC approval of CPD providers.

What do we say?

We are generally supportive of the GOC’s proposals. Many of our members will embrace the opportunity to have more power to shape their own learning. Our Council and Committees will look closely at the proposals and are likely to raise concerns about:

Auditing: Registrants will want clarity about what evidence will be required and how the proposed audits would work. This could cause increased stress and anxiety, particularly for newly qualified optometrists, and we will want to take a proactive role in supporting members to meet the requirements.

Outcomes - focused approach: Linking CPD to specific learning outcomes could discourage registrants from exploring CPD that’s valuable for professional development and their own interests but outside their development plan. It is currently usual for optometrists to complete CPD outside a development plan, especially over a three - year CPD cycle where roles, interests and practice may change. This versatile approach means that registrants are free to explore interesting and innovative CPD opportunities, and it would be unfortunate if that was lost.

Self-directed CPD: We are supportive of increased flexibility in regard to self-guided and informal learning, particularly as this development often occurs through workplace discussions and team-based learning. This could be especially beneficial to hospital optometrists and independent prescribers (IP) who benefit significantly from discussion with colleagues. We will also need to ensure that we step in to assist members who do not have access to team support, advice and information.

Scope of practice: Being able to tailor CPD to scope of practice could benefit registrants by reducing the need to complete training in areas they no longer practise. For example, registrants who work solely in secondary care and those who work solely in domiciliary care will need at least partially different skill sets and being able to take a more targeted approach has merits.

Commercialisation and quality: Removing provider audits means that registrants would be expected to judge the educational value and quality of CPD. We understand that for many members that may, at least at first, be difficult, and we will have a role in helping members identify good opportunities or warning against poor quality ones. As a provider ourselves, we will need to ensure that our own quality does not slip and we remain objective in recommending CPD provided by others.

What next?

• The consultation on the GOC’s proposed reforms to the CPD scheme is open until 19 April 2026.

Along with close engagement with our Council and Committees, we are conducting a survey to understand members’ views on the proposals. This feedback will inform our response. The survey closes on 31 March 2026.