GOC appoints interim chief executive

The General Optical Council (GOC) has appointed Adam Sampson as its interim chief executive and registrar while Vicky McDermott takes a period of absence due to personal reasons.

Mr Sampson has previously held chief executive positions in the charity and not-for-profit sectors, including the role of chief legal ombudsman and chief executive of homelessness charity, Shelter.

He will join the GOC on 18 June, with Ms McDermott expected to be absent for several months.

Chair of the GOC, Gareth Hadley, explained that the regulatory body will offer all the support Ms McDermott needs during her period of absence and looks forward to welcoming her back. 

Speaking about Mr Sampson’s appointment, Mr Hadley said: “[Mr Sampson] will ensure we maintain a strong focus on delivering our core public protection functions to the highest possible standard, on delivering our vital changes to business standards, CET and optical education, and on delivering our organisational transformation programme to deliver high-quality, efficient services to the public and our registrants.”

Mr Sampson added: “With new technology, changing patient pathways and new scopes of practice, the sector is evolving quickly and the GOC has a vital role in making sure that patient safety is maintained through that period.

“I’m looking forward to working with my new colleagues to make sure the GOC continues with this vital work until Vicky returns.”