AOP publishes guidance on the GOC's new Business Standards

The Association of Optometrists (AOP) has published comprehensive guidance for members on the new GOC’s Business Standards, which came into effect on 1 October.

The Standards for Optical Businesses replace the previous GOC Code of Conduct for business registrants. Welcoming the new standards, AOP Clinical Director, Dr Peter Hampson, said: “The new Business Standards should help to redress the balance between the expectations placed on individual registrants and those placed on businesses. This was one of the AOP’s main areas of concern when the GOC originally published the standards for optometrists and dispensing opticians in 2016. These new standards go some way to making those requirements fairer.”  

The AOP’s guidance, which has been produced in response, aims to help members navigate the new Business Standards – highlighting how they can be met.
 
Speaking about the new online resource, Dr Hampson said: “We’ve produced this guidance to help business registrants feel confident when making changes to their practices or existing policies and systems in order to reflect the GOC’s new Business Standards. The advice will evolve as it becomes clearer what the GOC expects from business registrants, but in the meantime, it should enable members to be well prepared and ensure they comply.” 

The GOC’s Business Standards are split into three main areas, with sub areas for each: 

• Your patients
• Your culture and governance
• Your staff

Read the AOP's guidance.

Ends

For more information, please contact Serena Box, PR and Media Manager, at the Association of Optometrists, [email protected] or telephone 020 7549 2040.

Notes to Editors

Association of Optometrists 

The Association of Optometrists (AOP) is the leading representative membership organisation for optometrists in the UK. We support over 82% of practising optometrists, to fulfil their professional roles to protect the nation’s eye health. For more information, visit www.aop.org.uk