General Optical Council ITT commercial practices and patient safety

Overview

We are looking to commission qualitative research to understand the nature and extent of commercial practices in the eye care sector and any impact this has on patient safety. We would like to hear views of GOC registrants (optometrists and dispensing opticians), non-GOC regulated eye care staff (for example, optical assistants), optical businesses (both GOC registered and non-GOC registered), and patient representative groups. The research will involve designing and conducting the research, then analysing and reporting on the findings. The aim of the research is to help us better understand: the nature and extent of commercial practices in the eye care sector; any detrimental impact on patients and the public; any detrimental impact on individual registrants (i.e. optometrists and dispensing opticians); the views of businesses, for example, the balance between providing safe patient care whilst operating in a commercial environment; and what actions the GOC and the wider eye care sector could take to help mitigate against any detrimental impacts on patients and the public and registrants. We have an approved budget of up to a total cost of £40,000 including VAT and all other contractor costs. Proposals over £40,000 will not be considered. The deadline for tenders is 5pm 27 November 2025. Please send tenders and direct any questions to Angharad Jones (Policy Manager) by email to: ajones@optical.org