Assessment

Clinical Learning in Practice (CLiP) is a structured assessment programme designed to support and evaluate the development of optometry students in real-world clinical settings. Divided into two stages - CLiP1 and CLiP2 - each includes both remote and face-to-face assessment visits, with tasks aligned to General Optical Council (GOC) learning outcomes. 

As students progress, the complexity of tasks increases, culminating in readiness for full GOC registration. CLiP1 also features a Service Evaluation Project rooted in the student’s own practice. The assessment approach combines observation, verification, and reflective enquiry, using logged experiences, supervisor sign-offs, and patient records. This section, together with the full CLiP Assessment Handbook,  outlines the GOC outcomes, the student logbook, risk profiling, and detailed guidance for each assessment visit.

Monitoring progress

The Supervisor role involves assuring patient safety, overseeing learning, and mentoring and coaching the student on their placement journey.

CLiP Portal logbook

All students on CLiP placements have access to a digital logbook to record, store, and search entries related to their clinical experiences.

GOC Learning outcomes

The GOC learning outcomes are clear goals that describe what students should know or be able to do by the end of their training.

Assessment visits

Assessment visits are organised at four points throughout the placement, with two remote and two face-to-face visits.

Special circumstances

Find out what to do if something happens that impacts a student's ability to attend an assessment or their performance.

Download

CliP Assessment Handbook (PDF)