Optical professionals cautiously optimistic about AI, GOC survey shows

The General Optical Council (GOC) has published new findings from its 2026 registrant workforce and perceptions survey, revealing that optical professionals are broadly positive about the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in eye care, while expressing clear concerns about errors, accountability and transparency.

Nearly half of respondents (45%) said they believe AI will improve the quality of care, but understanding and practical engagement with the technology remain limited. Only 40% rated their knowledge of AI as good, and 22% had undertaken AI‑related training in the past year. Where AI is already in use, it is most commonly applied to maintaining knowledge and skills (12%), supporting diagnosis (8%) and drafting patient correspondence (8%).

Concerns were more pronounced. The majority of registrants highlighted risks linked to AI making errors (77%), uncertainty over legal responsibility if something goes wrong (76%) and a lack of transparency in how AI systems reach decisions (68%).

Beyond AI, the survey points to improving job satisfaction across the profession, rising from 55% in 2025 to 59% in 2026. More registrants are gaining additional qualifications in areas such as glaucoma, medical retina and contact lens practice, with the proportion of professionals without extra qualifications falling to 58%. Career development remains a priority, with 40% planning to gain further skills.

However, workplace pressures continue to affect care delivery. More than a third of respondents (36%) said they struggled to provide patients with the level of care needed over the past year. Many reported insufficient time for sight tests (47%), pressure to see high volumes of patients (38%), pressure to sell higher‑value products (34%) and pressure to meet commercial targets at the expense of patient care (31%). Experiences of harassment, bullying or abuse also remain a concern, affecting 46% of respondents.

Steve Brooker, Director of Regulatory Strategy at the GOC, said the findings show AI is beginning to support eye‑care delivery but emphasised the need for responsible regulation to ensure public and professional confidence. He also noted the positive trend in specialist skills across the profession, while acknowledging ongoing concerns about workplace culture and commercial pressures.

The survey, conducted between March and April 2026, received 3,451 responses and forms part of the GOC’s annual research into registrants’ experiences and views.

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