In addition to employer-led training and development across the sector:

Optometry

• The College of Optometrists provides free online CPD training in supervision (just register for an account on the website), and a programme of ongoing CPD, drop- ins and other  support for full and associate members. In addition to this, members can work towards the “Optometric Practice Educator” (OptPE) affix, by completing training, reflection and a   College supervisor peer review
• CLiP supervisors must complete the appropriate College training for their role. The College’s CLiP Portal will also give supervisors easy access to all the information about their students’ progress and achievements and make it easier to sign off student experience and help them prepare for assessment by keeping all the tools in one place
• Optometry Manchester supervisors will be invited to become part of the OM academic and clinical teaching community. OM will support you with initial mandatory training on the Manchester approach – available both online and in person. You will then be able to further develop your understanding of clinical education with regular in person and online CPD  which may lead to formal teaching qualifications. You will have a named point of contact at the University for support and advice
• For FTY supervisors in Scotland, NES will provide training and ongoing educational support. The mandatory training aligns with other health and social care professions in NHS Scotland. Consistent with existing training programmes across NES, supervisor-specific peer review sessions will be offered to all those supporting students in practice. These sessions provide opportunities to connect with colleagues and share experiences. Additional resources and support will also be available. The NHS Scotland online training platform TURAS will have a dedicated supervisor training area containing e-learning training modules, guidance, and additional resources to help supervisors further develop in their roles.

Ophthalmic Dispensing

• ABDO provide free CPD accredited training modules on supervision, with the relevant legislative information for the programme of study. A detailed supervisors guide is available on the website and ABDO deliver a CD accredited evening webinar. On registration, all ABDO supervisors are automatically enrolled on the free CPD course, although evidence of completing training with the College of Optometrists would also be accepted. Feedback is also provided during the practice visit.

Contact Lens Opticians

• For the ABDO contact lens programme, the same supervision support and CPD programme is available as those in place for dispensing opticians.

Independent Prescribing Optometrists

• Support and training vary according to each individual education provider.

If you are supervising a CLiP, Optometry Manchester or NES FTY student, your employer will already have committed to allowing you the time and facilities required for student supervision. For more information about specific requirements, refer to the details provided for each model, and provider websites. Please also refer to the SPOKE guidance on role requirements and expectations. 

For ophthalmic dispensing programmes, employers commit to a supportive learning environment with appropriate time and facilities for you and your trainee, in particular apprentice supervisors will be supported in accommodating protected study time as part of the training plan and your attendance at quarterly progress reviews. Please refer to the individual provider websites for specific programme details. Under all models, you should have a discussion with your employer as to what the expected time requirement is for your supervision arrangements will be, and how they will ensure that you have this time available (e.g. by reducing your clinic obligations) and without adversely affecting any performance-related remuneration and career progression.

University and further education college providers retain overall responsibility for their students and their education on placement under all placement models. They will therefore maintain contact and support for their students’ academic development throughout their placements and through learning days.

Optometry

• Under CLiP, this will be by the university appointing an Academic Clinical Placement Tutor to oversee students on placement and track their progress. However, CLiP supervisors   working with a student in their practice will normally contact the College rather than the University for support matters, including advice on the student's or on their own development. University tutors will also have oversight of student progression and be able to signpost university processes and services as needed. The College’s CLiP portal also helps to enable collaborative support, ensuring that all involved can work together to support each student in their journey towards registration.
• Supervisors of Optometry Manchester students deal with a single institution- The University of Manchester. The university will support both the student and supervisors during clinical placements.
• In Scotland, the FTY will implement a tripartite model that includes a Clinical Supervisor, NES- appointed Educational Supervisor, and university-appointed Academic Mentor/Personal Academic Tutor. This supervisory team will work collaboratively to support students' progress throughout the FTY.

Ophthalmic Dispensing

• Under ABDO, supervisors register with both ABDO and the chosen education centre, where both work collaboratively in supporting the progress of their trainees. ABDO maintain records of the practice, PEL and PTS details and provide support and progress oversight for supervisors using feedback in portfolio staged submissions, during the practice visit and as general point of contact for placement queries. Education centres allocate tutors who work with individual students and as a point of contact for the supervisors.

Contact Lens Opticians

• Under ABDO, contact lens supervisors register with both ABDO and the chosen education centre where both organisations work collaboratively in supporting the progress of their trainees. ABDO maintain records of the practice, PEL and PTS details and provide support and progress oversight for supervisors as general point of contact for placement queries. However, as noted in the GOC Requirements for Approved Qualifications for Contact Lens Opticians Standard 4.9, a contact lens trainee may only have a maximum of 1 PEL and 1 PTS supervisor at any time.

Independent Prescribing Optometrists

• Support and training vary according to each individual education provider