Tender: Qualitative Research on Commercial Practices and Patient Safety in Eye Care – General Optical Council

About

General Optical Council is seeking a supplier for qualitative research to understand the nature and extent of commercial practices in the eye care sector and any impact on patient safety. The research should design and conduct interviews and/or other qualitative methods with 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, then analyse and report on findings to clarify any detrimental impacts on patients, the public or individual registrants and to identify actions the GOC and the wider sector could take to mitigate those impacts. The commission has an approved budget of up to a total cost of £40,000 including VAT and all contractor costs; proposals over £40,000 will not be considered. The deadline for tenders is 5pm 27 November 2025; tenders and questions should be sent to Angharad Jones (Policy Manager) at [email protected].