Reading List

This Reading List supports the course on continuous learning, evidence and CPD for UK optical professionals, focusing on authoritative UK guidance to apply immediately in practice.

Core standards and CPD requirements

• Standards of Practice for Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians The GOC's core professional standards for safe, ethical practice (effective January 2025).
• Information for registrants: introduction and CPD requirements Overview of the statutory CPD scheme and cycle dates for 2025 to 2027.
• CPD: A guide for registrants Official GOC guide explaining domains, points, interactive CPD, peer review and record keeping (March 2025).

Planning, reflection and peer learning

• Completing a Personal Development Plan (PDP) How to set and review learning outcomes at the start of each CPD cycle.
• Reflective exercise What to discuss with a peer and how to submit your reflection at cycle end.
• Peer review GOC requirements and formats for provider-led and registrant-led peer review.

Evidence and communication

• NICE guideline NG197: Shared decision making Practical recommendations for embedding shared decision making in consultations (June 2021).
• NICE quality standard QS15: Patient experience in adult NHS services Concise quality statements to improve patient experience (updated July 2019).
• Accessible Information Standard NHS England requirements for identifying and meeting communication needs in England (updated 2025).

Clinical guidelines and referral

• NICE guideline NG81: Glaucoma diagnosis and management Current national recommendations on testing, referral thresholds and management (last reviewed March 2025).
• College of Optometrists: Examining patients at risk from glaucoma Practical guidance on visual fields, OCT as a complement, and baseline measures.

Technology and innovation in eye care

• Royal College of Ophthalmologists position statement: Artificial intelligence in ophthalmology Principles and safeguards for adopting AI in eye care (May 2024).
• NHS England: Artificial intelligence and machine learning Guidance and resources for planning and implementing AI safely in the NHS.

Patient information resources

• College of Optometrists patient resources Plain-language leaflets and posters to support explanations and consent in practice.

Safeguarding and legal frameworks

• Working Together to Safeguard Children Statutory multi-agency safeguarding guidance for England (June 2025).
• Mental Capacity Act Code of Practice Government code on assessing capacity and making best interests decisions.

Legal and ethical in optical practice

• GOC guidance on consent How to obtain, assess and document valid consent in optical care.
• GOC professional duty of candour Expectations for openness and honesty when things go wrong.