GOC announces departure of acting director of regulatory strategy

The General Optical Council’s (GOC) acting director of regulatory strategy, Marcus Dye, will be stepping down after seven years at the optical regulator.

Dye took on his current position in January 2022, following a tenure as acting director of strategy that began two years previously, in January 2020. Prior to this, he held roles as head of standards and CET, and standards manager.

Most recently, Dye led the GOC’s response to COVID-19, putting in place statements and working with sector bodies to discuss workforce issues and potential regulatory barriers to care.

Leonie Milliner, GOC chief executive and registrar, said: “Marcus has achieved a great deal during his time at the GOC, and I want to thank him for his service to the Council, the professions we regulate, and the public we benefit.”

“In particular, I want to thank him for his commitment to engaging with our stakeholders which has enabled us to work together with other organisations to ensure patient and public safety,” Milliner added.

In his seven years at the GOC, Dye was responsible for introducing new standards of practice for optometrists and dispensing opticians, and standards for optical students.

Dye authored and led the first pieces of supporting guidance to the standards on consent and candour, and oversaw the development of the new business standards and confidentiality guidance.

In his time with the regulator, Dye oversaw three cycles of CET and began the review of the scheme that led to the introduction of continuing professional development in January 2022.

Revealing that he would be taking a career break and spending time travelling, Dye commented: “It has been a great honour to work with GOC staff, council and stakeholders over the past seven years and to be at the forefront of some major transformational projects.”