GOC appoints new chief executive and registrar

The General Optical Council (GOC) has announced that Leonie Milliner will take on the role of chief executive and registrar in January 2022.

She will succeed Lesley Longstone, who has been in the post since 2018.

Milliner is currently director of education at the optical regulator. She has previously served as the chief executive of the General Osteopathic Council and UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists.

Chair of the GOC council, Dr Anne Wright, highlighted that Milliner has already played a central role in advising council on reforms to pre and post registration education for optical professionals.

“The implementation of these reforms will be a priority moving forward, along with progressing a review of our organisational structure to best meet future needs and continuing to ensure that we meet the standards set by the Professional Standards Authority,” she said.

Wright thanked Longstone for her “outstanding leadership” over the past three years.

Milliner said that she welcomed the appointment at a time of challenge and change for the optical professionals and the businesses that the GOC regulates.

“The GOC continues to play a vital role in upholding professional high standards, ensuring the UK has a sufficient, competent, qualified and well-regulated workforce to prevent sight-loss and contribute to the reduction of health inequalities,” she said.