GOC research links commercial pressures to fitness to practise risks among optical professionals

The General Optical Council (GOC) has published new research revealing that commercial pressures are affecting registrants’ ability to deliver safe and ethical care, raising concerns about potential fitness to practise risks.

The findings, drawn from the 2025 Workforce and Perceptions Survey, show that nearly half of optometrists feel they lack sufficient time for sight tests, while others report pressure to meet sales targets or promote unnecessary products.

• 48 per cent of optometrist respondents said they found the standard time allocated to conduct a sight test insufficient to provide safe patient care. 
• 38 per cent said they felt pressure to see a high number of patients each day impacting their ability to provide safe patient care.
• 33 per cent said they felt under pressure to sell certain types of glasses or contact lenses that will earn more money for the business. 
• 30 per cent said they have felt under pressure to meet commercial targets at the expense of patient care.
• 22 per cent said they have felt under pressure to sell a product or provide a service which they considered was not needed by the patient.

The GOC warned that such pressures may compromise professional judgement and lead to breaches of regulatory standards. In response, the regulator is launching a thematic review to explore how commercial environments influence decision-making and patient safety.

Steve Brooker, Director of Regulatory Strategy, said the review will examine whether current standards adequately protect registrants from undue influence.

“We’re seeing a tension between commercial targets and professional ethics. Our role is to ensure that registrants can practise safely and independently, without fear of reprisal for putting patients first.”

The GOC will consult with employers, professional bodies, and registrants as part of the review. The regulator also plans to develop guidance to help professionals navigate ethical dilemmas in retail settings.

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