The General Optical Council (GOC) regulates the optical professions in the UK. It has four core functions:
setting standards for optical education and training, performance and conduct
approving qualifications leading to registration
maintaining a register of individuals who are qualified and fit to practise, train or carry on business as optometrists and dispensing opticians, and
investigating and acting where registrants' fitness to practise, train or carry on business is impaired
In order to promote safe and competent practice and to maintain public confidence in the profession, the GOC has the powers to take action where there is an impairment of an optometrist's or dispensing optician's fitness to practise, and it is for the Fitness to Practice Committee to determine the appropriate sanction. Impairment of registered individuals can be based on numerous grounds, known as 'statutory grounds'.
The statutory grounds cover allegations of misconduct, instances of deficient professional performance, a previous conviction or caution, issues arising from adverse physical or mental health, or a determination by any other UK healthcare body that fitness to practise is impaired. A finding of impaired fitness...
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