The GOC has launched its Registrant Workforce and Perceptions Survey

This week the General Optical Council (GOC) launched its 2023 Registrant Workforce and Perceptions Survey, which aims to gather insight from registrants about their view on CPD, as well as the regulator overall.

Calling on registrants to complete the survey, which is open until 25 April, the GOC said it is keen to hear from optometrists, dispensing opticians and students about “the challenges and opportunities they face in daily clinical roles, including job satisfaction levels, potential pressures at work, and career development plans.”

The survey is run independently by Enventure Research and all responses are confidential.

The regulator runs the survey annually, with 2022 data reporting that 62% of respondents were satisfied with their role, while 40% planned to gain additional qualifications and skills. However, it also highlighted that 31% of respondents were finding it difficult to provide patients with the sufficient level of care they need.

Director of regulatory strategy at the GOC, Steve Brooker, highlighted: “Each year, this survey allows us to better understand our registrants and how they feel about their job and career. Now in the second year of our new CPD cycle, which represented a significant change in our requirements, we’re keen to hear from registrants on their experiences to help us to refine the scheme and plan for the next CPD cycle.”

“The findings from this year’s survey will also help us and other optical sector bodies to understand trends in the workforce and assist us with the development of our new strategy and wider work,” he added.

Encouraging AOP members to take part in the regulator’s survey, AOP clinical and professional director, Dr Peter Hampson, said: “I’d urge all members to complete this survey to ensure that the GOC is aware of the challenges that currently face UK optometrists and dispensing opticians. Members’ engagement with the AOP last year to the call for evidence on changes to the Opticians Act highlighted the strength of feeling about the future of the profession. The Registrant Workforce and Perceptions Survey is an important opportunity for all student and fully qualified registrants to express their views, including on the GOC’s overall performance and effectiveness.”

The GOC estimates that the survey will take 10–15 minutes to complete, with those taking part entered into prize draw with the chance to win a £100 online gift card.

The survey can be viewed and taken online.