Providers set to deliver updated qualifications from autumn 2023

12 qualifications have met the General Optical Council’s (GOC) new education and training requirements (ETR) and are ready to be delivered from autumn 2023.

This means the providers of those 12 qualifications adapting to the ETR from autumn 2023 have provided assurance to the GOC of how they will meet the new education and training requirements.

The following providers will offer these updated qualifications:

Optometry

Anglia Ruskin University – Master of Optometry (MOptom) – from September 2023
Aston University – Master of Optometry (MOptom) – from September 2023
Cardiff University – Master of Optometry (MOptom) – from September 2023
City, University of London – Master of Optometry (Hons) (MOptom) – from September 2023
Ulster University – Master of Optometry (MOptom) – from September 2023
University of Central Lancashire – Master of Optometry (MOptom) – from September 2023
University of Hertfordshire – Master of Optometry (MOptom) – from September 2023
University of Plymouth – MOptom (Hons) Optometry – from September 2023

Dispensing optics

Anglia Ruskin University – BSc (Hons) Dispensing Optician – from September 2023
Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) Examinations – Level 6 Diploma in Ophthalmic Dispensing – from September 2023
University of Central Lancashire – BSc (Hons) Ophthalmic Dispensing – from September 2023

Independent prescribing

Aston University – Independent Prescribing for Optometrists – from October 2023

The updated qualifications will still be subject to the GOC’s routine quality assurance processes to ensure they satisfy the GOC’s requirements.

Steve Brooker, GOC Director of Regulatory Strategy, said: “We are pleased to see so many providers ready to deliver updated qualifications, following the introduction of our new education and training requirements in 2021. It has been a cross-sector effort to achieve this, and I’d like to thank everyone who has been involved, including providers for engaging constructively with our processes and GOC staff who have supported providers as they transition.”

Our discussions indicate that most providers wish to adapt their remaining qualifications for delivery from September 2024.”