25 June 2026

Updated supervision eligibility, opportunities and support for Scheme of Registration from 1 July

Supervision Workforce 2026

From 1 July 2026, supervision arrangements on the Scheme for Registration will align with the model already used in Clinical Learning in Practice (CLiP).

This marks the final stage of the transition to supervision arrangements designed to meet the GOC’s Education and Training Requirements (ETR). 

The changes provide a consistent approach to supervision across both qualification routes ensuring excellent supervisory support, training and patient care regardless of route to registration. 

As part of this transition the College has enhanced training and support for all supervisors, with ongoing supervisory CPD and support sessions. 

The alignment is also intended to make it easier for practices to share responsibilities, enabling experienced optometrists, newly qualified colleagues and other healthcare professionals to contribute, within their scope of practice, to the development of the next generation of optometrists.

What do these changes mean?

From 1 July 2026, all College supervisors must:

  • be current registrants with the relevant regulator (GOC, GMC, HCPC, NMC)
  • have completed specified training for the role
  • have evidence of supervisory experience, or a mentor who is qualified as a Practice lead/Principal Supervisor
  • only supervise within their scope of practice
  • be a full member (if an optometrist) or Associate member of the College (if a non-optometrist). 

What do existing Scheme supervisors need to do now?

If you are already supervising a trainee on the Scheme for Registration and wish to continue supervising Scheme trainees after the 1 July 2026, we recommend that you:

  • review the updated supervision requirements
  • check that you hold the appropriate category of College membership
  • consider completing the revised and enhanced supervisor training and support available from the College

What do new supervisors need to do?

If you are interested in supervising trainees for the first time, you will need to meet the relevant supervision eligibility requirements listed above.

  • Newly qualified optometrists who would like to gain supervision experience may wish to consider becoming a Task or Additional Supervisor. This provides an opportunity to contribute to trainee development, build supervision skills and gain experience as part of a wider supervisory team.
More on qualifying as a supervisor

Updated training and enhanced ongoing support from the College

The College provides a range of training, resources and ongoing support. 

Supervisor training includes the following online courses:

Access all supervision training courses

"Aligning Scheme supervision arrangements with CLiP is the final stage of creating a consistent approach to supervision across both qualification routes. It helps ensure practices can support students in a way that meets current GOC requirements, while maintaining the high standards of supervision, learning and patient care that are central to becoming a safe and confident optometrist.

In addition to the supervision training courses, the College has extended its support for supervisors through regular supervisor drop-in sessions, additional CPD opportunities, the online CLiP Portal to support student progression and supervision activities, and dedicated College contacts for advice and guidance. Together, these resources are designed to help supervisors feel confident in their role, support student development effectively and stay connected to a wider community of supervisors”

Lizzy Ostler, Director of Education at The College of Optometrists

Find out more

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