About this course
This course helps optical registrants protect patients by recognising and working within their limits of competence under GOC Standard 6. Competence includes knowledge, clinical judgement, communication and professional behaviour. The course gives practical decision aids, referral templates and documentation habits you can use in everyday practice.
This course is relevant to the whole optical team providing direct or delegated patient care.
CPD Time: 45 minutes (0.75 CE Credit)
Assessment: 10 MCQs. Pass mark 80%. more…
On passing the assessment you will immediately receive a CPD Certificate.
Customer feedback on this course
- Clear, practical guidance that I use at the chairside.
- Useful decision aid for referrals — simple and evidence based.
- Good coverage of communication needs and when to use interpreters.
- Helpful templates for referrals and documentation — saved me time.
- Reassuring advice on refusing unsafe requests and escalating concerns.
Aim:
The aim of this course is to ensure optical professionals understand and apply GOC Standard 6 by recognising personal limits of competence and acting to protect patients through safe escalation, referral and documentation.
Course objective:
• to clarify professional competence in optical practice and equip learners with decision tools for safe escalation, referral, communication and planned supervised CPD.
Anticipated learning outcomes:
The learner will:
• identify personal limits of knowledge, skills and experience in clinical and non‑clinical tasks.
• explain when and how to escalate or refer a patient, matching urgency to clinical risk.
• apply appropriate communication and accessibility measures, including use of professional interpreters.
• record decisions and rationale clearly to support accountability and continuity of care.
• plan targeted CPD and supervised practice to expand competence while maintaining patient safety.
GOC Development Outcomes:
Standard 6
Learning content:
Introduction: Why Competence Matters | Defining Competence | Scenario Page 1: Clinical Limits | Legal and Professional Framework | Safe Escalation and Referral | Scenario Page 2: Communication and Cultural Competence | Expanding Competence Safely | Scenario Page 3: Professional Boundaries | Reflection and Continuous Growth | MCQ | Reading List
View full course description
GOC Standard 6: Working Within Your Limits of Competence in Optical Practice
Course Description
Introduction: Why Competence Matters
This section explains patient safety, professional accountability and the core expectations of GOC Standard 6. It covers legal duty of care and indemnity implications.
Defining Competence
Define competence across knowledge, skills and judgement. Learn about communication and cultural competence, limits of practice and the role of continuous professional development.
Scenario Page 1: Clinical Limits
Apply the principles to common clinical scenarios: complex retinal signs, outdated specialist skills and choices between referral and local management. Emphasis on documentation and reflection.
Legal and Professional Framework
Review GOC expectations, employer duties, indemnity coverage and the risks of practising beyond competence.
Safe Escalation and Referral
When and how to refer, matching urgency to risk, writing clear referrals and explaining escalation to patients. Includes sample wording and prioritisation tips.
Scenario Page 2: Communication and Cultural Competence
Practical guidance for working with D/deaf and neurodiverse patients, using professional interpreters and avoiding family members as interpreters. When to refer for specialist assessment.
Expanding Competence Safely
Explore training, supervision and mentorship pathways. Learn low‑risk supervised practice models, CPD planning and documenting competency progression.
Scenario Page 3: Professional Boundaries
Handle colleague or employer pressure to act outside scope. Strategies for refusal, escalation, acting in emergencies within your training and seeking external advice.
Reflection and Continuous Growth
Use feedback and reflective models to identify CPD needs. Learn peer discussion and supervision approaches and how to document learning and PDPs.
Reading List
Key references: GOC standards and guidance, legal and indemnity sources, clinical guidance and resources on communication and accessibility.
You can copy and adapt this example PDP entry for your own needs and circumstances.
| PDP Learning or Maintenance need |
| Maintain awareness of professional limits and safe escalation pathways under GOC Standard 6 |
| How does this relate to my field of practice? |
| Essential for providing safe optical care, making appropriate referrals, and meeting regulatory obligations. |
| Which development outcome(s) does it link to? |
| Standard 6 |
| What benefit will this have to my work? |
| Improved patient safety, clearer documentation of decisions, and confidence in when to seek support or refer. |
| How will I meet this learning or maintenance need? |
| Complete this course, record reflections, and plan targeted CPD or supervised practice where gaps are identified. |
| When will I complete the activity? |