OptPE – Optometric Practice Educator affix

Introducing OptPE, the College's first-ever educational affix designed to recognise the dedication, expertise, and commitment of supervisors who nurture the next generation of optometrists. 

Interested in becoming a Supervisor and earning the OptPE affix?

Earning the OptPE affix reflects the significant time and effort you have invested, integrated into and around your daily professional duties. To qualify, you must be a member of the College and complete the following requirements:

  1. Complete Workplace Supervisor Training 
  2. Submit a reflective journal
  3. Gain supervisory experience
    • Accumulate 6 months of hands-on supervisory experience within a workplace setting. You can be supervising non-registrants as well as pre-registration learners
  4. Attend a supervision-focused peer review session
    • Participate in a College specialist peer review session* on supervision (available in-person or online). These sessions are currently in development and will be accessible via our Events page in the later months of 2024

How to apply for the OptPE affix

Please email the following to clip@college-optometrists.org as proof of completing the above requirements:

  • Completion of online training: scans/photographs of the course completion certificates for both parts of the course
  • Reflective journal: Either a PDF of the handwritten reflective log or an electronic copy of the reflective log
  • College supervisor peer discussion workshop: A copy of the electronic certificate of attendance supplied by the College

1. College adjudication

A panel – comprised of the Head of Post Registration Education plus two members of the Education and Standards Committee, will assess applications once per month and adjudicate the applications received. The Head of Post Registration Education will inform the Membership and Data Manager so that the member’s record can be updated.

2. Communication of the College’s decision

The applicant will be informed of the College’s decision via email.

Successful applicants will be entitled to use the Optometric Practice Education (OptPE) affix.

Applicants who do not to meet the specified requirements on first submission will be advised of the reason(s). Applicants may then revise their submission and make one further application for award of the affix.

3. Appeals

Should the  applicant believe that there has been an administrative or procedural error in relation to their application they may appeal the outcome in writing, with evidence to the Director of Education, who will take such steps as they deem necessary to determine whether the process has been followed and stands, or should be declared null and void and be struck from the record.

Who can use the OptPE affix?

The OptPE affix is available to all registrants who have completed the required training, gained the necessary practical experience, and maintain active membership with the College.  

Next steps

After completing your supervisor training and accruing valuable experience, you might consider advancing further by becoming an Assessor, Examiner or panel member for the College. For more information, please contact the Education team on education.help@college-optometrists.org. 

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*Supervision peer reviews will be available from early 2025.