AVPS - GOC Standards - Topic 2 Flashcards
Describe what the GOC is.
- One of 13 ‘health and social care regulators’ in the UK.
- General Optical Council
Describe what GOC’s 4 main duties are.
- Set standards for optical training, performance and conduct.
- Approve qualifications leading to registration.
- Maintain a register of individuals who are qualified and fit to practise, train or carry on business as optometrists and dispensing opticians.
- Investigate and act where registrants’ fitness to practise, train or carry on business is impaired
The GOC sets standards in three areas:
- Standards for optical businesses.
- Standards for optometrists and dispensing opticians.
- Standards for optical students
A complaint that a GOC registrant may not be fit to practise can be as a result of one or more of a number of different factors including:
- Poor professional performance
- Physical or mental health problems affecting their work
- Inappropriate behaviour
- Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs at work
- Fraud or dishonesty
- A criminal conviction or caution
- A finding by another regulatory body
How many optical standards for optometrists and optical students are there?
18 standards to abide by
What are the first nine optical standards for optometrists and optical students?
- L isten to patients and ensure that they are at the heart of the decisions made about their care.
- C ommunicate effectively with your patients.
- O btain valid consent.
- S how care and compassion for your patients.
- R ecognise, and work within, your limits of competence.
- C onduct appropriate assessments, examinations, treatments and referrals under supervision.
- M aintain adequate patient records.
- E nsure that supervision is undertaken appropriately and complies with the law.
- W ork collaboratively with your peers, tutors, supervisors or other colleagues in the interests of patients.
What are the next nine optical standards for optometrists and optical students?
- P rotect and safeguard patients, colleagues and others from harm.
- E nsure a safe environment for your patients.
- S how respect and fairness to others and do not discriminate
- M aintain confidentiality and respect your patients’ privacy.
- M aintain appropriate boundaries with others.
- B e honest and trustworthy.
- D o not damage the reputation of your profession through your conduct.
- R espond to complaints effectively.
- B e candid when things have gone wrong
How do I ensure I follow the GOC standards?
You will need to use your “professional judgement” in deciding how to meet the standards.
What are the implications of not meeting the GOC standards?
Failure to register or follow these standards as a student, may affect your ability to register and practise as an optical professional when you qualify. In serious cases you may also be removed from your training course.
