Response to General Optical Council consultation on Covid-19 statements

In our response to the GOC's consultation we recognised that many of these statements had to be developed at short notice with limited opportunity to consult with stakeholders. 

We support the GOC’s decision to consult on these statements now that it has the opportunity to do so. In general terms we are supportive of the GOC’s action in providing clear information to registrants and the public during the various phases of the pandemic and don’t have any significant concerns about the content of these. 

However, we agree that where appropriate the GOC should seek to incorporate these into more general regulatory policy, seeking changes to its legislation where necessary.  We support the use of a clear classification system to indicate when the various statements will apply, and it appears logical to align with the College of Optometrist’s system for clarity and to avoid duplication.