23 March 2017

FODO response to GOC strategic education review

Following the General Optical Council's (GOC) call for evidence on their strategic education review, we've provided our response. The GOC have stated the main aim of the review is to ensure that education programmes and qualifications leading to GOC registration equip students to meet patients' future needs, as technological change and the increased prevalence of enhanced services are altering the roles that optometrists and dispensing opticians play in delivering eye care.

We believe there will be three main drivers which result in the needs of patients changing:

• Demographic changes
• Advances in treatment - both clinical and technological; and
• Patient expectations

We fully support the joint Optical Confederation's response and this submission provides FODO's further views. You can read our full submission below.