Reading List

References below support the course content. Support staff do not need to read everything in full, but managers, supervisors, registrants and learners who want the regulatory background will find these sources useful.

GOC standards and optical business expectations

• GOC Optical Business Standard 1.1: patients can expect to be safe in your care - sets the safety context for supervision, escalation and safer systems.
• GOC Optical Business Standard 2.3: governance - details expectations for procedures, records, risk management and learning from incidents.
• GOC Optical Business Standard 3.2: staff are suitably trained, qualified and registered - relevant to task training, role clarity and competence.
• GOC Optical Business Standard 3.3: staff are adequately supervised and supported - the primary business standard referenced in this course.

GOC standards for registrants

• GOC Standard 6: recognise and work within your limits of competence - guidance for clinical staff and those supervising delegated tasks.
• GOC Standard 7: conduct appropriate assessments, examinations, treatments and referrals - explains why support staff should escalate symptoms rather than judge urgency alone.
• GOC Standard 8: maintain adequate patient records - underpins clear documentation and handover.
• GOC Standard 9: ensure that supervision is undertaken appropriately and complies with the law - the main registrant standard on supervision and delegation.

College of Optometrists guidance

• College of Optometrists: supervision - professional guidance on supervision arrangements in optical practice.
• College of Optometrists: sale and supply of spectacles - background on sale, supply, restricted groups and dispensing responsibilities.
• College of Optometrists: urgency of referrals table - clinical reference for registrants; support staff should follow local escalation routes rather than set urgency independently.