The GOC launches 2026 Workforce and Perceptions Survey

The General Optical Council (GOC) has launched its Workforce and Perceptions Survey and it is calling for practitioners across the optometry sector to share their experiences of working in the profession.

The annual survey aims to build a clearer picture of job satisfaction, working conditions and future career intentions among optometrists, dispensing opticians and students.

This year’s survey featured the introduction of new questions on areas where there have been key developments in the profession, including driving vision standards and the potential impact of artificial intelligence.

The inclusion of driving vision comes as discussions continue around proposals for mandatory sight tests for drivers aged 70 and over, while questions on AI aim to better understand how emerging technologies are influencing clinical practice and patient care.

Insights gathered will help shape the regulator’s ongoing policy and support work across the sector.

The survey findings will also feed into the GOC’s current thematic review into commercial practices and patient safety, which was launched following the results of last year’s survey, which highlighted that registrants experiencing time and commercial pressures were more likely to report challenges in delivering adequate patient care.

The regulator said this year’s data will play a key role in shaping the final report and identifying where further support may be needed.

Steve Brooker, director of regulatory strategy at the GOC, emphasised the importance of participation. He said the addition of questions on driving vision standards and AI reflects some of the most significant issues currently facing the profession, and encouraged both fully qualified registrants and students to take part.

The survey is conducted independently by Enventure Research to ensure responses remain confidential. It will take around 10 minutes to complete, and registrants can enter a prize draw to win a £250 online gift card.

The survey, which can be accessed online, is open now until 22 April.