College of Optometrists

22 July 2010 Return to news listings

The College of Optometrists has today announced the results of the first Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) which replaces the Final Assessment for the Scheme for Registration.  310 candidates sat the OSCE held at the Royal College of General Practitioners Conference Centre from 5 – 8 July 2010.  The pass rate was 78%. These first candidates for the OSCE were also the first to complete the new rigorous Stage 2 Work-based Assessment.

Commenting on the first OSCE, Dr Cindy Tromans, President of the College said:

“I am delighted with the results from the new style work-based and final assessments. Employers and the public can be confident that the 241 successful trainees will begin their careers able to use their knowledge and skills to make appropriate clinical decisions for patients across the whole range of clinical presentations.”

The introduction of the OSCE marks the end of a period of extensive development for the College’s Scheme for Registration.  From 1980 until 2005 trainees had to pass a 10 part examination to demonstrate that they had the knowledge and skills to enter the GOC register.  Following the introduction of the General Optical Council’s 82 core competencies, underpinning the postgraduate training of optometrists, the Scheme for Registration was created.  In 2005 a new assessment programme consisting of quarterly Work-based Assessments was introduced, with a four-part Final Assessment under examination conditions.  This new system gave a holistic structure to training, ensuring trainees were assessed continuously in the workplace with a final examination at the end.

A wide-ranging review of the Scheme led to a series of changes, designed to ensure the Scheme was up-to-date and fit for purpose.  In 2009, the Work-based Assessment was enhanced to include the Stage 2 Work-based Assessment in which the broader-based competencies were assessed together with two key processes: the routine eye examination and the fitting and aftercare of contact lenses. The Final Assessment was changed to an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE).  The OSCE assesses candidates’ ability across the competency framework, sampling from the whole range of patient conditions that a newly qualified optometrist would manage and must be able to recognise and refer. 

Josephine Mullin, Director of Education at the College added:

“The Scheme now ensures trainees keep their knowledge and skills up to date throughout the pre registration period and consolidate what they learn in practice.  Changes have ensured a more consistent approach among assessors and offer a better measure of trainees’ competence.  Following a lengthy period of review and development trainees can be reassured of a comprehensive, relevant and fair assessment process.”

For more information about the OSCE and the development of the Scheme for Registration please visit: www.college-optometrists.org/intro/sfr

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For further information please contact Ellen Colquhoun, Head of Marketing and Communications on 020 7766 4342 or
email: ellen.colquhoun@college-optometrists.org

 

Notes to editors:
1. The College of Optometrists is the professional, scientific and examining body for optometry in the UK. 
2. The College works to ensure that the public are better informed about the role of the optometrist and the importance of eye health, facilitates research that contributes to the development of the existing body of knowledge and promotes the highest levels of professional responsibility, integrity and patient care.  Around 80% of optometrists in the UK are members of the College. 
3. For more information about the Scheme for Registration visit http://www.college-optometrists.org/en/qualifying-as-an-optometrist/Pre_Reg/scheme-for-registration-handbook-2010/index.cfm