The College of Optometrists

Following requests from Members and the successful outcome of a trial at Dollond and Aitchison, the College’s Academic Committee has agreed to reduce the period of qualification to become a pre registration supervisor from three years and nine months to three years, with the flexibility to reduce this in exceptional circumstances.

 

The three year qualifying period should be spent predominantly in practice, seeing patients rather than on some other activity such as research and the College will develop guidelines on assessing applications from supervisors with less than three years practice.

 

College Chief Executive Bryony Pawinska commented “The College’s database includes almost 2,300 practising optometrists who are or have been pre registration supervisors – about one in five of all registered UK optometrists.  Some of our more recently qualified Members are equally enthusiastic about taking on a pre registration trainee and the Academic Committee considers that three years in practice provides them with sufficient experience to do this. The College will identify ways of providing support to new supervisors to ensure that they feel well prepared to take on the role.“

 

Any College Member who is interested in becoming a pre registration supervisor and would like more information should contact Lee Rolls, Pre Registration Co-ordinator at the College on 020 7766 4365 or via email lee.rolls@college-optometrists.org