General Optical Council Opens Up Debate On Revalidation Proposals, UK

Main Category: Eye Health / Blindness
Article Date: 15 Mar 2009 - 1:00 PDT

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The General Optical Council (GOC) is urging registrants to have their say on a revalidation scheme for opticians, as the Council launches an open consultation on its draft proposals. Comment is invited on any aspect of the GOC's proposals, including: what criteria should determine whether a registrant undergoes revalidation; the intensity and frequency of the revalidation process; and the evidence required when demonstrating professional competence.

Jon Levett, GOC director of standards commented: "Revalidation will affect all those involved in the Council's work. It is crucial that from the outset, all interested groups - particularly registrants - have ample opportunity to influence what revalidation will look like. Opening up the debate will help us formulate a scheme that is proportionate, effective and fair."

Jon Levett added: "At this stage, nothing is set in stone. The Council will use these responses to develop more detailed proposals, which will then form the basis of a second consultation later in the year."

A series of public consultation events on revalidation are anticipated toward the end of this year. The Council is encouraging registrants, optical bodies, employers, education providers, charities, fellow regulators and groups representing patients and the public to get involved in the consultation process.

Revalidation for registered optometrists and dispensing opticians will be introduced at the start of the 2012-15 CET cycle. The GOC plans to formally approve its policy in 2010. The consultation document and draft revalidation proposals are available online at http://www.optical.org.

General Optical Council