College of Optometrists

5 July 2012 Return to news listings

Following a quality assurance inspection by its Visitor Panel, the General Optical Council (GOC) has approved our Independent Prescribing exam for a further three years.

During their inspection visit the GOC panel carried out a thorough assessment of the processes and standards in place to administer the exam – which is undertaken by optometrists who wish to become qualified as independent prescribers. The GOC reviewed data for all the IP exams: the GOC representatives examined the standard-setting process, looked at the appeals process and analysed post-exam data. As well as College staff, they interviewed the Chair of the Standard Setting Panel, a member of the Appeals panel and the external examiner.

The GOC were satisfied with our management of the exam and highlighted the question bank and the feedback given to all candidates as particular examples of good practice.

“We’re delighted that the GOC have continued to approve our management of the IP exam,” said Jacqueline Martin, Director of Education. “They picked out several areas of good practice, and we are very happy with their recommendations for making the whole process even better for optometrists who want to develop their careers in this way. As a College we are committed to providing excellent ongoing development opportunities and will follow the GOC’s recommendations for improvement, as well as transferring areas of good practice from some of our other qualifications.”

We will follow the GOC’s recommendations for improvement,
which included :

•    ensuring two external examiners, rather than one, are involved throughout the whole exam process
•    involving members of the IP panel in the development of exam questions – the exam questions will continue to be checked by a consultant ophthalmologist
•    updating the GOC log-book for the clinical placement element, to provide better guidance to candidates.

Optometrists considering becoming an Independent Prescriber should visit www.college-optometrists.org/therapeutics or call 020 7766 4362.