Aston University’s Independent Prescribing for Optometrists qualification meets new GOC standard

The General Optical Council (GOC), the regulator for the optical professions in the UK, has recognised Aston University’s Independent Prescribing (IP) for Optometrists postgraduate qualification as the first such qualification to meet its updated requirements.

The GOC is in the process of updating its education and training requirements (ETR) for qualifications in optometry, dispensing optics, and independent prescribing. All existing GOC-approved qualification providers are required to submit detailed plans of how their adapted qualifications will meet the new ETR. All qualifications are subject to the GOC’s routine quality assurance processes.

Aston University’s School of Optometry will deliver the updated qualification to the first cohort of students from October 2023.

Dr Preeti Bhogal-Bhamra, Director of Optometry Postgraduate Taught Programmes at Aston University, said:

“The Aston IP team are excited to be offering the new structure for IP qualification and are looking forward to supporting optometrists gain IP status. This will be a great step forward for the profession as a whole.”

Samara Morgan, GOC Head of Education Development, said:

“We are pleased to note Aston as the first independent prescribing qualification to meet the new education and training requirements. We have seen great progress from providers adapting to the new requirements across optometry, dispensing optics, and independent prescribing. There are still more qualifications due to adapt and we continue to work closely with each provider to ensure our expectations are clear, and that the updated qualifications are satisfactory to adequately prepare students to meet the needs of patients in the future.”