understanding the GOC's Updated Sight Testing Regulations

The General Optical Council (GOC) has recently opened a 14-week consultation on an updated statement regarding sight testing. This consultation runs until 21 October 2026. It includes revised standards on supervision and delegation, reflecting significant changes since 2013.

Let’s put the regulatory jargon aside for a moment. We need to ask two simple questions: Who’s allowed to do what part of a sight test? And who is responsible for it?

why is the GOC updating its sight testing regulations now?

The current rules date back to 2013, which feels like a lifetime ago in eye care terms. Since then, pre-screening by trained support staff has become routine. Imaging and automated testing have advanced significantly.

It’s no surprise that the GOC has decided that a thirteen-year-old statement no longer reflects how practices operate today. This review stems from the regulator's 2022 Opticians Act evidence call. It re-evaluates screening checks and the separation of sight tests.

what does the draft GOC statement propose?

The draft statement proposes that an optometrist can officially delegate certain parts of the sight test to someone else, as long as they oversee the process. This change puts an official stamp on what many practices already do. Support staff often carry out pre-screening and other checks.

Instead of providing a strict list of what is and isn't allowed, the draft sets out a framework. This framework allows practices to work in new ways, while still being responsible.

two key points remain unchanged:

1. The eye health check and the refraction remain a single sight test. There’s no splitting them up.

2. The responsibility for the patient and the prescription stays with the optometrist conducting the test.

   
   

how the GOC consultation impacts optical staff and practice owners

For dispensing opticians and optical support staff, this consultation is a significant development. An official framework for delegated tasks strengthens the case for proper training and broader roles within the practice.

If you own a practice, it’s worth reviewing the draft against your daily operations. Many practices will find that it supports what they already do, while others may identify gaps.

If you're an optometrist or dispensing optician on the GOC register, I encourage you to respond before the consultation closes. This statement will significantly influence your role over the next decade.

There’s also a recruitment angle to consider. A framework that formalises delegation makes multi-skilled support staff and well-trained optical assistants even more valuable. Investing in your people not only helps you stay compliant but also makes good commercial sense.

How optometrists and DOs can submit feedback to the General Optical Council

The consultation is open now and will close on 21 October 2026. Here’s how you can get involved:

• Submit your response via the GOC consultation hub.

• Email your views directly to consultations@optical.org.

• Read the full GOC announcement for background on the proposals.

• Check the original words from the GOC Council meeting notes from 24 June 2026 for full context on how this came about.

  
  

How talentshed can help

As delegation becomes formalised, the value of a well-structured team only grows. At Talentshed, we help optical businesses recruit the optometrists, dispensing opticians, and support staff who make everything work. We also assist candidates in finding employers who invest in their development.

If the changing rules have you rethinking your team, click here to learn more.

Or, if you're reconsidering your current role and interested in exploring your options, we're here to help.

conclusion

The GOC's updated regulations on sight testing represent a significant shift in how we approach eye care. By understanding these changes and participating in the consultation, we can ensure that our practices remain compliant and effective. Let’s embrace these updates and work together to strengthen our teams and improve patient care.

Sources referenced in this article: General Optical Council Council meeting, 24 June 2026; Optometry Scotland, "News from Council" (June 2026); FODO member update (2026).