March 31st 2020

How Will the GOC Continue to Regulate in Light of the Coronavirus

In light of the ongoing situation across both the UK and the wider world, it is important that members of the optical profession keep up to date with the latest changes and guidelines suggested by the GOC.

In today’s news item we have collated information from the GOC relating to the latest updates and links to government and GOC guidance related to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) emergency. On the updates, the GOC states that: ‘In these extraordinary times, we are fortunate that in all four countries of the United Kingdom we have a group of exceptionally well qualified eye care professionals on whom the general public and fellow healthcare professionals can rely. Uncertain times mean that our registrants may be called upon to work at the limits of their scope of practice and vary their practice for protracted periods of time and in challenging circumstances.’

‘In this series of statements we hope to reassure our registrants and the education sector that when they act in good conscience, for the public benefit, exercising professional judgement in all of the circumstances that apply, the GOC will support them.’

The OCCS wishes to express its support to all optical professionals, healthcare professionals and the general public across the world in these difficult and uncertain times. The OCCS is doing our very best to support the GOC during these unprecedented times.

April 1st 2025

Paul Chapman-Hatchett has joined the OCCS as our New Clinical Advisor Following the Retirement of Richard Edwards

Paul founded a domiciliary optical practice based in the South East of England in 1995, which grew into a nationwide chain of franchised domiciliary practices. As CEO, Paul used his professional and personal skills to…
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April 1st 2025

Taking My Prescription Elsewhere – What to Know

Once we have had our sight test and recommended to update those spectacles, what do we do? Do we stick with the testing optician or do we twist to an alternative, whether that be price…
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April 1st 2025

Return of the Tested Patient/External Prescription Dispense – What to Do

In these tough economic times, it is not surprising more people are looking to save costs on all purchases, including optical care. Consumers have many reasons to take their prescription elsewhere, whether this be choice…
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