Help shape next generation of optometrists

Supervising a trainee optometrist gives you the chance to support the next generation of optometrists, contribute to the development of the profession and boost your own career. 

Widen career opportunities

Open up different career pathways early in your career by getting key experiences in management and leadership

Boosts employability and professional status

Employers want optometrists with excellent interpersonal and communication skills developed through real life experience

Develop your skills

As a supervisor you will face situations requiring adaptability, organisation and emotional intelligence – all skills that make you stand out among the crowd

Personal satisfaction

“The role provided me with a great sense of responsibility and personal satisfaction. I was able to quickly develop my interpersonal, mentoring and leadership skills within the practice where I worked.”

Vinay Najran, Director, Specsavers​

Building long-term relationships

“I get enjoyment out of it as it’s very fulfilling. I build long-term friendships, and my pre-regs contact me years later asking for advice.”

Raqia Hanif MCOptom, Director, Boots Opticians

Update your clinical knowledge

Teaching is one of the best ways to learn - supervision helps you retain your clinical knowledge and expertise

Brings job variety

Supervision adds variety and learning opportunities to your day-to-day work

Build relationships

You form a close bond with your trainee and see them develop into a well-rounded, professional clinician

Raqia Hanif MCOptom

Director, Boots Opticians, Swindon and Walton-on-Thames

“I get enjoyment out of it as it’s very fulfilling. I build long-term friendships, and my pre-regs contact me years later asking for advice. And you’re leaving a little bit of your legacy: how you’ve moulded that pre-reg to be a professional, caring team player will benefit any future interactions in optics for them.”

Chris Evans MCOptom DipTp(IP)

Director, Gwynns

“I enjoy passing on my experience but also learning from the students, because they’re coming in with knowledge from university that I haven’t thought about in years. Even in the hardest weeks of supervision, they always come out with something interesting or have caught on to something, so there’s constant reinforcement of my own knowledge”

Next steps

Become a supervisor

Find out everything you need to know about becoming a supervisor and mentoring a pre-registration trainee.

Supervisor training

Essential learning courses for those supervising or wishing to supervise pre-registration trainees on the Scheme for Registration.