Reading List

This Reading List supports learning from the course Supervision in UK optical practice and is aimed at UK optometrists, dispensing opticians, supervisors, and practice managers.

Core legal and regulatory framework

• Standards of practice for optometrists and dispensing opticians The GOC's current standards set expectations for all registrants (January 2025).
• 9: Ensure that supervision is undertaken appropriately and complies with the law The specific standard covering adequate supervision, delegation, and accountability.
• Opticians Act 1989, Section 27: Sale and supply of optical appliances Statutory restrictions on dispensing including requirements for under 16s and patients registered blind or partially sighted.
• Opticians Act 1989, Section 25: Fitting of contact lenses Who may lawfully fit contact lenses and under what conditions.
• Contact Lens (Specification) Rules 1989 Legal requirements for what a contact lens specification must contain.
• Rules on the Fitting of Contact Lenses 1985 GOC rules on qualifications and supervision for fitting contact lenses.

Supervision and delegation in practice

• College of Optometrists: Supervision Practical expectations for supervising colleagues and retaining clinical responsibility.
• College of Optometrists: Delegation Guidance on when and how to delegate safely within competence and law.

Contact lens fitting and supply

• Fitting contact lenses Who may fit lenses, the fitting process, and patient information requirements.
• Contact lens supply Duties around supply and aftercare arrangements for contact lens wearers.
• Contact lens check-ups What constitutes appropriate aftercare and when to reissue specifications.

Paediatric dispensing and safeguarding

• Sale and supply of spectacles Requirements for supervised dispensing to restricted groups including children.
• Working together to safeguard children Statutory multi-agency guidance for child safeguarding relevant to escalation and recording (December 2023).

Patient transparency and accessibility

• Accessible Information Standard overview How to meet legal duties to identify, record, and meet communication needs for patients using NHS services.

Emergency eye care and escalation

• RCOphth Emergency Eye Care Commissioning Guidance Principles for triage, signposting, and safe urgent care pathways (December 2021).
• Annex 4: Urgency of referrals table Red flag referral timings to support safe escalation.
• NHS: Eye injuries Immediate actions and when to call 999 or attend A&E, including chemical injuries.

Documentation and information governance

• 8: Maintain adequate patient records GOC expectations for contemporaneous, complete, and auditable records.
• Records Management Code of Practice 2021 NHS England retention and records management guidance for health and social care (2021).
• ICO: UK GDPR guidance and resources Practical guidance on lawful processing, confidentiality, and accountability in handling patient data.