14 July 2025
A three-year extension has been provided to a hub that supports providers in implementing the General Optical Council’s new education requirements.
The Knowledge Hub, which is operated by the Sector Partnership for Optical Education (SPOKE), will receive £210,000 of GOC strategic reserve funding to continue to support providers once the current contract expires in July.
A statement from the GOC highlighted that the focus of the hub over the next three years would be “providing practical materials and support to enable qualification providers to successfully implement the Education and Training Requirements (ETR)”.
Since 2021, SPOKE has operated the hub for qualifications leading to entry to the GOC register in optometry and dispensing optics.
In 2022, the hub has also supported specialist qualifications in contact lens optics, and independent prescribing, additional supply and supplementary prescribing.
The GOC highlighted that under the extension until July 2028, both elements will be merged under a single contract.
Director of regulatory strategy at the GOC, Steve Brooker, highlighted that SPOKE has been pivotal in helping providers transition to the ETR.
“We know its practical materials are valued and being well used,” he said.
“Good progress has been made in implementing the ETR, but the job isn’t finished. This new contract will support the continued period of transition until the point where most of the first cohorts studying ETR compliant qualifications will have graduated,” Brooker shared.
Director of education at the College of Optometrists, Lizzy Ostler, highlighted that the projects and resources delivered by the hub help to capture best practice, overcome challenges of the revised approach, and maximise the positive effects of change.
More information about the Knowledge Hub can be found on the SPOKE website.
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