The General Optical Council have two opportunities for registrants to get involved in shaping the future of optical regulation. The General Optical Council are seeking to appoint one registrant Council member (optometrist or dispensing optician) and two Investigation Committee members (dispensing optician/contact lens optician only). 

More information about each of the roles and how to apply is available below.  

Vacancy: Registrant Council member 

We are recruiting for a registrant member to join our Council to replace David Parkins. The role is open to all optometrists and dispensing opticians. 

We are looking for someone who can think critically and strategically and will be able to express their point of view and provide objective advice. The successful candidate will join eleven other Council members as charitable trustees and work together to shape our future strategic direction. 

The role requires a time commitment of two to three days per month and includes renumeration of £13,962 per year, as well as travel and subsistence expenses. 

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, and we would also particularly welcome applications from individuals who are disabled and from diverse ethnic backgrounds as these are currently under-represented on our Council and committees. 

For more information about the role and how to apply, see the Candidate Pack and Application. If you have any questions, please email appointment@optical.org quoting reference GOC03/23. 

The deadline to apply is midnight on Sunday 19 November 2023. 

Vacancy: Investigation Committee members 

We are also seeking to appoint two dispensing optician/contact lens optician registrant members to our Investigation Committee.   

Investigation Committee members play a key role in decision-making for cases at the investigation stage of the fitness to practise process. They consider allegations that a registrant may not be fit to practise where case examiners cannot agree, as well as referrals from case examiners for an assessment of a registrant’s health or performance.   

The initial tenure for both roles will be four years with the possibility of reappointment subject to satisfactory appraisal.    

Successful candidates will be expected to commit around ten days per year, which includes approximately four meetings to consider several cases. Committee members are paid £319 per day.  

View the Investigation Committee:  Candidate Pack and Application Form for more information, including a person specification and how to apply.  If you have any questions, please email appointment.optical.org appointment@optical.org.uk quoting reference GOC04/23.    

The deadline to apply is midnight on Sunday 19 November 2023.