The Common Final Assessment (CFA) for Specialist Qualifications in Therapeutics
The Section 60 Order which amended the Opticians Act of 1989 included a new section to provide for the registration of specialisms. At present specialist qualifications for optometrists relate solely to Additional Supply and Supplementary Prescribing. After discussion with the General Optical Council (GOC) it was agreed that the College of Optometrists would implement a Common Final Assessment (CFA) for Specialist Qualifications in Therapeutics.
The Common Final Assessment will be a viva based on a Portfolio of Practice Evidence completed during a period of clinical training. Each Examinations Panel will comprise of an appropriately qualified optometrist and ophthalmologist.
What role does the College play?
As the GOC’s designated external verifier it is the College’s remit to administer the Common Final Assessment for Specialist Qualifications in Therapeutics in accordance with GOC procedures.
What role do the course providers play?
The course providers determine the content of the courses based on the GOC competencies, provide theoretical knowledge and arrange clinical placements.
Where can I obtain a copy of the Portfolio?
Click here to download the portfolio template in its entirety or by individual sections
How should the Portfolio be submitted?
Two complete copies of the Portfolio and all documentation within should be submitted. It is recommended that candidates soft-bind their presentations. All the relevant documentation e.g. correspondence, reports, results, photographs, plots etc should accompany each Portfolio. All copies should be identical, with case records and documentation in the same order. Candidates should refer to the Portfolio pre-submission check list before submitting portfolios.
General presentation must be consistent with a postgraduate examination and show:
- Observance of patient anonymity
- Clear indexing and summary
- All information with appropriate dates
- Sequence of case history to be presented in chronological order
- Key to abbreviations used
- Relevant supporting documentation
- Each sheet to have a patient number and a candidate number
- Any copied documentation should be of good quality
Regulations
The Common Final Assessment Regulations are available here
When are the entry deadlines?
Application forms should be submitted 12 weeks before the examination date.
The completed Portfolio must be submitted 7 weeks before the date of the examination.
The Examinations Calendar for 2006 is available here
Where will the Common Final Assessment be held?
Candidates will be informed of details of the examination venue at least 6 weeks prior to the examination date.
What are the fees?
The exam fees for the 2006 administrations of the CFA will be £700, to be reviewed annually. This fee will include the right to use the Dip Tp affixes as appropriate:
Dip Tp (AS) – Additional Supply
Dip Tp (SP) – Supplementary Prescribing
What is the application process?
The Common Final Assessment for Specialist Qualifications in Therapeutics application form must be completed and returned with the relevant fees to the Examinations Coordinator at the College of Optometrists, 42 Craven Street, London, WC2N 5NG.
The application form is available here