GOC approves resources to support transition to updated education and training requirements

GOC approves resources to support transition to updated education and training requirements

The GOC has approved the three final projects led by the Sector Partnership for Optical Knowledge and Education (SPOKE) to support education providers’ transition to the updated education and training requirements.

The projects include the sixth and seventh outputs for optometry and dispensing optics qualifications, and the fourth output for specialist qualifications.

Project six is entitled ‘Fitness to train and reasonable adjustments’. It has been developed through desk-based research, and a series of sector meetings in consultation with a wide range of stakeholders. It considers the relationships between ‘fitness to train’, reasonable adjustments and suspension of studies (in education settings) and the equivalent processes in employment settings.

The report considers the importance of supporting those with disabilities and championing diversity whilst considering where the borderlines lie regarding patient safety. The report summarises the themes identified during SPOKE network discussions which include: robust systems and entry requirements, mental health and undeclared issues, assessing new and chronic health conditions, fitness to practise timelines, confidentiality and data protection, academic misconduct, reasonable adjustments, and assessment of communication outcomes.

Project seven is entitled ‘Getting the most from the multi-disciplinary team’, which consists of an online toolkit developed in collaboration with sector stakeholders and through desk-based research and aims to showcase good practice in enabling learners to integrate within multidisciplinary teams at each stage of their journey to registration. Each page of the toolkit is intended to address different learner stages, progressing from theory to active clinical practice, via safe experiential learning environments to develop confidence and competence.

Project four for specialist qualifications is entitled ‘Inclusive education for specialist qualifications’,  and looks at how learners from varied educational and experiential backgrounds can be best supported as they pursue specialist qualifications by identifying the challenges they face and suggesting the tools available to help them succeed.

Professor Lizzy Ostler, Director of Education for The College of Optometrists, said:

“These projects really highlight and address the diverse opportunities and challenges resulting from the implementation of the GOC’s Education and Training Requirements. Our sector stakeholders have continued to grow in their enthusiasm and engagement throughout the duration of SPOKE, and the final projects delivered under the original GOC contracts have benefited, yet again, from input from employers, course teams and other sector representative bodies. The steering group are delighted to be continuing to lead this important work via SPOKE and look forward to starting work on Project 1 of SPOKE (2025-28).”

Steve Brooker, Director of Regulatory Strategy at the GOC, said:

“I’m delighted that the publication of the final outputs of SPOKE’s programme of activities and projects for optometry and dispensing optics and specialist qualifications will successfully conclude at the end of July 2025. These latest resources will aid providers in addressing fitness to train concerns without compromising patient safety, benefit learners to develop their experience of working in multidisciplinary teams to ensure effective patient care, as well as support learners with varied backgrounds to acquire specialist qualifications.

I would like to thank all the stakeholders that have contributed to SPOKE’s vibrant community over the last four years. Collaboration has been a key ingredient in implementing the education and training reforms and SPOKE has played a pivotal role in this. Work remains to complete a successful transition to the new education and training system, so I’m looking forward to working with SPOKE when its new three-year contract to deliver the SPOKE Knowledge Hub begins in August.”

SPOKE is a cross-sector collaboration funded by the General Optical Council (GOC), led by The College of Optometrists, and managed by a steering group comprising representatives from the College, the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) and the Optometry Schools Council (OSC). SPOKE will enter a new three-year contract beginning August 2025.

You can find out more information about SPOKE on the website: www.spokehub.org.uk. Alternatively, you can contact SPOKE via email: spokehub@college-optometrists.org