New Business Standards Website Launched by the GOC

As part of our commitment to assist practices in upholding high standards that helps clients to receive the best service, this week’s news item relates to the GOC’s announcement last month (October) of the launch of their new website that aims to support the new Standards for Optical Businesses.

The new Standards for Optical Businesses, introduced on the 1st October 2019, replace and revise the previous Code of Conduct for business registrants. Reflecting changes in the optical profession, the new Standards for Optical Businesses include the use of new technology, expanding scopes of practice and multidisciplinary working. Not only does the new legislation seeks to continue to support the profession but aims to raise a wider confidence in the general public. Independent research showed that 84% of patients interviewed said they would rather ‘use an optical business that meets a certain set of standards, than one that does not’.

The new website, specifically designed to support the wider initiative, focuses on accessibility and usability in order to help optometrists, dispensing opticians and optical business owners to find the information they require relating to the new standards. The content rich site provides easily accessible supporting guidance, frequently asked questions (FAQs) and videos with advice on how to apply the standards in practice. The website also includes a blog which will feature interviews with opinion leaders and business registrants allowing for a greater rate of engagement within the profession.

Alistair Bridge, GOC Director of Strategy said: ‘Our new Standards for Optical Businesses came into force on the 1st October 2019. The new standards reflect the good practice that all optical business owners should follow and we urge all businesses to read them and decide how to apply them in their practice. We also welcome the support of our stakeholders in raising awareness of the standards and publishing guidance for their members.

‘We hope that our new standards website will be a useful resource for all registrants and optical business owners. We will be adding content on an on-going basis and welcome feedback about the kind of information they would like us to provide.’

For more information on the new standards website, click here.