The College of Optometrists

I'm doing my pre reg in a multiple where there is a lot of pressure to sell, sell, sell. Dispensing percentages, quality lenses and second pairs sold are constantly monitored.

I sometimes feel this pressure compromises my ability to give unbiased, impartial advice to pxs.

I feel like my neck is on the block if i don't produce good sales.

I think it is sad that a pre reg is put under this kind of pressure on top of the pressure to pass the pqes.

We are there to learn after all.

Anyone else feel this pressure?

What is it like in an independent?

I havnt really used pqe talk but had to reply to this message by godzilla. I agree 100%, its crazy how much pressure you feel under and as you said its always sell, sell, sell! I work for a multiple so dont know how independents find it...

Chilled, fulfilling, educational, eye opening (for the right reasons!), rewarding to name but a few.

Not all multiples are the same. And not all practices within the same multiple are the same.

I did my pre-reg in a multiple and would say it was the best pre-reg anyone could ever wish for. Never once did someone mention anything commercial to me during the whole 12 months. Infact even today three years after qualifying, its much the same....can't really complain.

I guess the point I am trying to make is that each practice is different. I have heard some real freak nightmare stories of pre-regs in some independents.....14 pxs in a day wihtout a supervisor on the premesis.

I agree there is a great deal of variation between practices but I think there is also a general shift towards commercialism which perhaps wasn't so marked a few years ago.

I just think it is wrong that your ability as an optometrist should be judged primarily by sales.

Maybe this is a 'sign o the times' in a world of increasing competition.