CLiP Part One

To ensure that students consolidate core skills before they are assessed on more challenging clinical outcomes, the assessment of CLiP is organised in two stages: CLiP Part One and CLiP Part Two. Students will need to pass all elements of CLiP Part One before proceeding to CLiP Part Two.

We would expect the most common arrangement to be for the student to complete both CLiP Parts One and Two with the same employer. This approach allows for greater flexibility in dealing with any failed elements of assessment, and means that any student who needs it will have the chance to re-take one part only rather than the entire year.

CLiP Part One – remote visit (CLiP 1R)

CLiP 1R is a two-hour visit, conducted online, with five tasks, three of them assessed. These focus on:

  • use and supply of ophthalmic drugs
  • health and safety legislation
  • records of patient interactions

The Assessor will also discuss the student’s completed Service Evaluation Project Planning Tool and discuss their experience of the placement setting and supervision. 

For more information on what happens in this visit, see the CLiP 1R section on our CLiP resources page.

CLiP Part One – face-to-face visit (CLiP 1F)

CLiP 1F is a three-and-a-half hour assessment (with an additional 15 minutes of visit time), in the student’s practice, with nine tasks, seven of which are assessed. These include: 

  • observation of the student's clinical examination skills with a patient, supplied by the College
  • observation of dispense and verification

Checking and discussion of logbook and patient records including:

  • consent
  • patient care
  • diagnosis & decision-making

The Assessor will also carry out checking and verification of the Service Evaluation Project Report and discuss the student's experience of their placement setting and supervision. 

For more information on what happens in this visit, see the CLiP 1F section on our CLiP resources page.

Service Evaluation Project

This is an enquiry-led project relating to service evaluation and improvement within the student’s practice. There is a guidance document, video and workbook to guide students through the project from first ideas to final submission. This will include: 

  • evaluation of the current state of play (audit)
  • opportunities for and risks of change
  • proposals for value maximisation and risk mitigation

The Project will also include consideration of ways of improving patient experience and patient outcomes.

Following the CLiP 1F visit and discussion with the Assessor, the work will be assessed by an assigned College marker. If the work does not reach the required standard for a pass, the student will receive feedback on how to improve and will have one opportunity to re-submit the project.

For more guidance and to find the planning tool and workbook, see the Service Evaluation Project section on our CLiP resources page.