The 2021 public perceptions research found that confidence in the profession remains high, also showing an increase in the numbers of people who would seek assistance from an optometrist in the first instance for eye issues

The regulator was found to meet 16 of the 18 Standards of Good Regulation, but has not met the standards relating to the timeliness of fitness to practise cases for a sixth year

A March meeting of the AOP Council raised key areas for the AOP to support practices and optometrists in the coming months

The Professional Standards Authority, which oversees 10 regulators including the GOC, is reviewing whether its performance review process is fit for purpose

Dionne Spence, director of casework and resolutions at the General Optical Council, tells the story behind the launch of the regulator’s new bulletin, FtP Focus

OT  examines the use of criminal charges against healthcare workers in the UK

While a number of previously raised concerns have been addressed in the new requirements, the AOP committed to monitoring developments, sharing that “This does not mean our concerns about the ESR have all been resolved”

It is anticipated that most education providers would work towards admitting students to approved qualifications that meet the new standards from the 2023/24 or 2024/25 academic year

Dr Anne Wright will follow Gareth Hadley as chair of the General Optical Council

An optometrist reflects on being the subject of a fitness to practise case – and shares his thoughts on what others can learn from his experience