Can I Work During a GOC Investigation? What Every Optical Professional Needs to Know

The Starting Position: Investigation Does Not Mean Restriction

Receiving a GOC investigation letter does not restrict your ability to practise optometry or dispensing optics. Your registration remains current and you can continue working unless a formal restriction is imposed through a separate process.

The full GOC fitness to practise framework is in the guide to GOC fitness to practise proceedings.

When Can the GOC Restrict Practice?

Through a formal interim order — imposed urgently where immediate patient safety risk is identified: either interim suspension (preventing all GOC-regulated practice) or interim conditions (restricting practice in specified ways).

Or through a final order following a Fitness to Practise Committee hearing. The full range of outcomes is in the GOC sanctions guide. Absent a formal order, you can continue practising.

Employer and Practice Disclosure

Check your employment contract and practice arrangements. Many optical practice agreements include disclosure requirements. Take AOP, FODO, or ABDO advice before making any disclosure. Where a formal order includes notification conditions,

disclosure before returning to practice is mandatory. The guide to GOC professional standards provides context on ongoing professional obligations.

Locum Optical Work During a GOC Investigation

Absent a formal order, you can continue working as a locum optometrist or dispensing optician. GOC register checks will reveal any formal order immediately. Check agency agreement disclosure requirements.

Using the Investigation Period Productively

Start CPD from day one addressing the GOC Standard most relevant to the concern. Maintain exceptional clinical records throughout. Build the evidence file for the case examiner stage.

The guide to what GOC CPD evidence counts explains which courses carry most weight. The guide to GOC remediation evidence covers the complete framework.

Income Protection if Practice Is Restricted

Professional indemnity and income protection insurance; employment contract provisions; optical locum insurance; and non-clinical optical roles — practice management,

optical retail — where permitted under specific order terms. Contact your professional body for income protection guidance. Legal advice before taking up any work during any formal order is essential.

UK-registered healthcare professionals can access professional ethics training through Healthcare Ethics Courses.

Professionals with connections to Australia can consult et.

Those with connections to New Zealand can review pd.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I continue working as an optometrist during a GOC investigation?

Yes — absent a formal interim or final order.

When can the GOC stop me from practising?

Only through a formal interim or final order — not through an investigation letter.

What is a GOC interim order?

A temporary formal restriction — suspension or conditions — where immediate patient safety risk is identified.

Must I tell my employer?

Check your employment contract. Take professional body advice before any disclosure.

Can I do locum optical work during an investigation?

Yes — absent a formal order. Check agency disclosure requirements.

Should I stop practising as a precaution?

Not unless a formal order requires it.

What is the most productive use of the investigation period?

Building remediation evidence — CPD, reflective accounts, exceptional clinical records.

Does the GOC investigation appear on register checks?

No — only formal orders are publicly recorded.

What income support is available if practice is restricted?

Professional indemnity and income protection insurance; employment contract provisions; optical locum insurance; non-clinical optical roles where permitted.

What is working during a GOC interim suspension?

A criminal offence — working in any GOC-registered capacity during interim suspension.

What professional bodies support optical professionals?

The AOP, FODO, and ABDO as standard membership benefits.

How long does a GOC investigation take?

Variable — from months to over a year.

Can I take on new optical patients during an investigation?

Absent a formal order, yes — maintaining exceptionally thorough clinical records.