The College of Optometrists

Just wondered what people thought about leaving pre-reg position with existing employers before resits. My employers are being and have been very difficult, especially when applying for study leave/holidays. I have almost run out of holiday days so they are refusing time off for study and a 3 day holiday after my exmas now.

Any advice?! Any one know of any supervisors who will take me under their wings for 2 months?!?!

If you have done over your quota of Pxs then I think u could just leave and when you pass look for a job. Bit of a waste of time if you've failed routine, though.

Depends what exams u have failed. If is stuff can learn without having to see patients - occupational/partial sight/drugs etc, then why not. But as Homer says, if resitting routine/bv/contact lenses, i think i would feel better seeing patients.

That's what I've been thinking. I failed Occupational, IT and routine. Have got another optom who isn't involved in the company who is willing to let me test and he'll observe some routines. But then I don't want to quit work to find that I don't get enough testing done. Am desperate for just a few days off to recoup!

Will practice let you take a couple of weeks unpaid leave? If i was resitting IT and routine i would prob think i would like to keep seeing lots of patients, but is just my opinion. Not really loosing out by taking unpaid as u thinking of not working, and comany would loose cheep labour if you left. Just a thought.

If you leave will you be breaking any contracts, and is this allowed, cos Im thinking of doing the same thing

Make sure you've completed your twelve months of supervised practice before you leave, otherwise you can't be registered (when you pass your resits)and don't p*** off your supervisor and employers as they have to sign the paperwork and write you a reference!

Speaking as a supervisor and employer if you had booked holiday in advance for after your exams then it would be unreasonable to refuse you that however if you hadn't then I'm afraid you are being unreasonable. Employers also have no obligation to give you study leave for your resits, unless it is written into your contract.