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GOC Standard 10: Working Collaboratively with Colleagues in Optical Practice

Delivering Safe and Efficient Care with a Team-Based Approach

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GOC Standard 10: Collaboration
Why Collaboration Matters
Practice Team Collaboration
In-Practice Teamwork
Cross-Healthcare Collaboration
Cross-Professional Working
Carers & Families as Care Partners
Family & Carer Collaboration
Inclusive Collaboration
Inclusive Collaboration Challenges
Managing Disagreements and Conflict
Continuity of Care
Reflection & Continuous Improvement
Exam Pass Notes
Reading List
Course Completed - GOC Standard 10
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Scenarios: In-Practice Teamwork

Effective teamwork is tested by handovers and by how professionals correct each other in front of patients. The following scenarios emphasise structured communication and respectful behaviours that keep patient interests foremost. ^[1] ^[6]

Scenario 1: Busy Clinic Handover

Scenario

A walk-in patient reports "flashes last night." At reception the visit is labelled "urgent" but no details such as onset time or which eye are recorded. Routine pre-testing proceeds; the optometrist later enters the consulting room, sees only a generic urgent note, and begins a routine examination before recognising the potential red-flag and the need to prioritise clinician assessment.

What are the risks, and how should handover be improved?

Use a standard red-flag prompt at reception and a structured handover into the consulting room. ^[2] ^[5]
Record specific items: onset time, laterality, associated floaters/shadow, pain/trauma, high myopia/surgery history. ^[2]
Flag the record and provide a verbal handover using SBAR: Situation (e.g. flashes OS since 22:00), Background (e.g. high myope), Assessment (risk of retinal tear), Recommendation (urgent clinician assessment before routine tests). ^[5] ^[4]
Train reception/assistants to stop routine pre-tests and prioritise clinician review when red flags surface; audit compliance monthly. ^[2] ^[7]

Scenario 2: Optical Assistant Disagreement

Scenario

At dispense an optical assistant suggests a frame that is unsuitable for a child's pupillary distance and bridge size. The clinician corrects the assistant brusquely in front of the family; the assistant becomes quiet and withdrawn, and the working relationship feels strained.

How should the clinician respond to protect the patient and the working relationship?

Correct the plan while preserving dignity and enabling shared learning. ^[1] ^[6]
Address the family first: "We'll choose a frame with better bridge support for comfort and safety." ^[1]
After the consultation, debrief privately using a coaching approach (what went well, what to adjust, practice with sizing templates). ^[6] ^[3]
Document the final decision and note any training agreed; reinforce a culture where assistants can query choices without fear. ^[1] ^[7]

References (numbered in text)

10. Work collaboratively with colleagues in the interest of patients — General Optical Council Find (opens in a new tab)
Examining patients who present with flashes and floaters — The College of Optometrists Find (opens in a new tab)
Working with colleagues — The College of Optometrists Find (opens in a new tab)
Guidance on planning and delivering out of hours and emergency eye care — The Royal College of Ophthalmologists Find (opens in a new tab)
SBAR – Situation-Background-Assessment-Recommendation — East London NHS Foundation Trust (ELFT) Quality Improvement Find (opens in a new tab)
Amy C. Edmondson. Psychological Safety and Learning Behavior in Work Teams — Administrative Science Quarterly, 1999 Find (opens in a new tab)
Clinical audit: a guide for NHS Boards and partners — Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership, 2021 Find (opens in a new tab)

Key Points

Please take a moment to review these points, reflect on their significance and consider how they apply to your own experiences.

Tick to confirm (optional):

Use red-flag prompts at reception and record specific details (onset time, laterality, floaters/shadow, pain/trauma, myopia/surgery history).
Employ structured handover language (SBAR) and flag records to prioritise clinician review over routine pre-tests.
Train reception and assistants to pause routine processes when red flags appear and audit compliance regularly.
When correcting colleagues, protect patient confidence and preserve team dignity: address patients first, debrief privately, use coaching language, and document agreed actions.
Encourage a culture where assistants can raise concerns without fear and capture learning in records and training plans.

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Course Snapshot

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Length: 60 minutes CPD (1.00 CE Credits)
Appropriate for: Optometrists, Dispensing Opticians, Optical assistants/technicians, Reception/admin staff, Practice managers, Hospital eye service clinicians and allied professionals.
Course Price: Free
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Mecourse Lifelong Learning (2025) ‘Scenario Page 1: In-Practice Teamwork’. Mecourse Lifelong Learning [Online]. Available at: https://www.mecourse.com/scenario-page-1-in-practice-teamwork [Accessed 12 May 2026].

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Mecourse Lifelong Learning. Scenario Page 1: In-Practice Teamwork. Mecourse Lifelong Learning. Published August 22, 2025. Accessed May 12, 2026. https://www.mecourse.com/scenario-page-1-in-practice-teamwork.

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GOC Standard 10: Working Collaboratively with Colleagues in Optical Practice

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Scenarios: In-Practice Teamwork

Scenario 1: Busy Clinic Handover

Scenario 2: Optical Assistant Disagreement

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