Reading List

The links below support the course and are useful for checking local policies, induction material and escalation routes. Support staff do not need to memorise every regulatory detail; managers and registrants should use these sources to ensure local guidance is accurate.

• GOC Standard 2: Communicate effectively with your patients - Includes role identification, clear communication and advising patients who will provide their care.
• GOC Standard 6: Recognise, and work within, your limits of competence - Core guardrail for scope, competence, referral and restricted functions.
• GOC Standard 9: Ensure that supervision is undertaken appropriately and complies with the law - Useful for understanding delegation, supervision and retained clinical responsibility.
• GOC Standard 14: Maintain confidentiality and respect your patients' privacy - Guardrail for records, social media, public discussion and privacy.
• GOC Standard 15: Maintain appropriate boundaries with others - Covers behaviour, actions and professional communications.
• GOC Standard 16: Be honest and trustworthy - Covers conflicts, gifts, incentives, titles, costs and honest communications.
• GOC Optical Business Standard 3.1: Staff are able to exercise their professional judgement - Useful for manager controls around pressure, difficult decisions and advice routes.
• GOC Optical Business Standard 3.2: Staff are suitably trained, qualified and registered - Relevant for induction, role training and competence monitoring.
• GOC Optical Business Standard 3.3: Staff are adequately supervised and supported - Covers supervision, support and who retains clinical responsibility.
• GOC guidance: Maintaining appropriate sexual boundaries - Detailed guidance on sexual-boundary risks, harassment, reporting and support.
• GOC statement on testing of sight - Official statement clarifying that refraction for issuing a prescription is a restricted part of sight testing.
• GOC guidance: Speaking up - Guidance on raising concerns when patient or public safety may be at risk.
• College of Optometrists: Benefits and risks of using social media - Practical advice on online profiles, private contact and social media boundary risks.
• College of Optometrists: Integrity and conflicts of interest - Guidance on gifts, inducements, conflicts and commercial decision-making.