Professional Matters Optometry & Dispensing
New research on a risk-based framework for the testing of sight
General Optical Council publishes new research on a risk-based framework for the testing of sight
The GOC has today published research on a risk-based framework for the testing of sight, to understand the risks of the different components of a sight test not being carried out at the same time, by the same person and/or in the same place.
The research was undertaken as part of our commitment from our 2022 call for evidence on the Opticians Act 1989 to consider updating our 2013 statement on the testing of sight.
Overall, the study concluded that the separation of sight testing components by person, time or place may pose some risks for both the NHS and patients. However, in the context of a routine eye examination, the likelihood of these risks occurring was considered to be low.
It also found that tailoring eye care to individuals, for example, through considering patients’ risk profiles more thoroughly, may offer significant advantages in the prevention, diagnosis and management of ocular conditions. Future studies were recommended to determine if a personalised approach based on patient risk assessment could be considered value for money and cost-effective.
Director of Regulatory Strategy, Steve Brooker, said:
“This research comes at an important time, as technology is evolving and models are developing where parts of the sight test are carried out remotely from the patient and sometimes different elements are carried out by different people, in different places and at different times.
We recognise the significance of the issues and the diversity of views about them, so will carefully consider the findings and their policy implications before deciding next steps. Initially, we will convene a roundtable in October 2025 to hear stakeholder views, as well as discuss the report with our advisory committees and Council.
I am grateful to the research team led by Glasgow Caledonian University for undertaking the study and to all those who participated in the Delphi exercise.”
Read the full research report.
The research was carried out by Sven Jonuscheit, Glasgow Caledonian University; John G Lawrenson, City St George’s, University of London; Robert Harper, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust; Joy Myint, Cardiff University; Julie-Anne Little, Ulster University; Gunter Loffler, Glasgow Caledonian University; Anna Higgins, Glasgow Caledonian University.
