AOP encourages members to have their say on business regulation

The AOP is seeking the views of members on a range of changes to business regulation put forward by the General Optical Council (GOC).

The optical regulator is currently undertaking a consultation on proposals to change the framework for regulating optical businesses. 

The AOP is gathering views from members on the proposed changes through an online survey, which takes around eight minutes to complete. These responses will help to inform the AOP’s submission on the consultation. 

Proposed reforms to business regulation include: mandatory GOC registration for entities that carry out specific restricted functions, compulsory participation in the consumer redress scheme (which is currently run by the Optical Consumer Complaints Service), uncapped fines for breaches, and requiring businesses to appoint a head of optical practice. The GOC would also have powers to inspect optical businesses as part of the suggested changes.

AOP clinical and policy director, Dr Peter Hampson, highlighted that the AOP welcomes the consultation on changes to business regulation.

“The requirement by the GOC for all businesses to register would indeed be in the best interests of patients and our members, and improve overall consistency in practice, but our concerns around how the proposals will be implemented will need to be addressed as part of the process,” he said.

He added that consideration should be given to the impact of the requirement to register on non-profit organisations providing sight tests, the potential for duplication of compliance obligations and the challenges of adopting the outlined procedures in daily practice.

“Insights gained from our members will be vital in shaping our response to ensure the standards are appropriate and accurate,” Hampson said.

The closing date for the AOP member survey is 13 December 2024, and the consultation will close on 22 January 2025.