GOC research uncovers inequalities in eye care experience

The General Optical Council has published the results of a survey of 2035 members of the public, exploring their experiences of eye care in the UK and their perception of the profession.

The survey found that 92% of respondents were satisfied with the optometrist who carried out their sight test, while 88% were satisfied with their overall visit.

Survey participants from an ethnic minority background were less likely to be satisfied with their overall visit than white participants (84% compared to 91%).

Participants with a disability were also less likely to be satisfied with the overall visit to an optometry practice than participants without a disability (82% compared to 89%).

The research revealed that 31% of participants shop around before selecting which optometry practice to go to – a higher proportion than 2023, when 21% of participants explored their options before attending a practice.

A smaller proportion of participants purchased their spectacles from the practice where they had their sight test in 2024 than in 2023 – 78% compared to 85%.

There was an increase in the proportion of survey participants who purchased spectacles from supermarkets, High Street stores or the internet – from 5% in 2023 to 14% in 2024.

There remain differences between the nations of the UK when it comes to where patients would go if they woke up with an eye problem – with 31% selecting an optometrist in England, compared to 43% choosing this option in Wales, 44% in Scotland, and 41% in Northern Ireland.

GOC director of regulatory strategy, Steve Brooker, shared that while it was pleasing public satisfaction remains high overall, the fact that someone’s experience of eye care can vary considerably depending on their background and circumstances is “worrying.”

“We know registrants want to give all patients the best possible care and the sector needs to work collaboratively to reduce the inequalities revealed by our survey,” he said.