Supervision: What’s new and what you need to know

This page outlines what’s new, who can supervise, and how the College supports you at every stage. 

Why this matters

The GOC has agreed to simplify the transition between Handbook (Scheme for Registration) and ETR (Clinical Learning in Practice - CLiP) qualifications, by allowing Handbook qualifications to be revised to come into line with ETR rules. This means that the GOC’s “Supervision policy” has been replaced by “SPOKE Project 4: Supervision Guidance” for supervision of pre-registration students or trainees. There is a transition to the new rules for Scheme supervisors with the new rules fully replacing the old on 1 July 2026. During the transition the College is able to apply either set of rules, giving time for existing supervisors to adapt. 

In brief: Key changes to supervision

  • all supervisors must complete relevant training, and have appropriate experience and support for the role
  • newly qualified optometrists can now supervise—no need to wait two years
  • other ophthalmic professionals can supervise trainees within their scope of practice – but must also be trained and supported
  • supervision is now based on a risk-based approach, rather than numerical limits
  • allowing consistent requirements for all qualifications

The College's approach

The College is working to ensure clarity, consistency and simplicity for all, whilst enhancing support and recognition for all who supervise: 

  • ensuring a consistent, clear approach to supervision for Scheme and CLiP – College Approved Supervisors follow the same rules on both 
  • promote multidisciplinary training environments – all who are qualified are enable to contribute 
  • support registrants to contribute to supervision at all stages of their careers -including newly qualified ophthalmic registrants 
  • prioritise safety and quality through a risk-based approach, developing tools to enable the supervisory team to collaborate effectively 

Who can supervise?

  • any qualified registrant, including newly qualified optometrists, can supervise—provided they have completed the required training 
  • other professionals (eg dispensing opticians, orthoptists) can also supervise within their scope of practice 

Supervisor roles:

  • Principal Supervisor – takes overall responsibility for the trainee (access via My College)
  • Joint Supervisor – shares responsibility with the Principal (access via My College)
  • Additional Supervisor – supports the trainee under the oversight of the Principal
  • Assessor checks compliance through logbook
  • Practice Lead – overall coordination of a student’s educational experience and progress
  • Task Supervisors – supervise clinical tasks within their scope of practice
  • Any College-approved supervisor can be assigned to a student on the portal (including locums, and staff at other sites)
  • ALL supervisors have access via the CLiP Portal, approval managed automatically

Pathways to each supervisory role

Scheme Principal/Joint Supervisor or CLiP Practice Lead 
Previous experienceQualification routeFull College membership (optometrists)Workplace training one & two (2 CPD)CLiP training (1 CPD)Experience or mentor*
Scheme Principal or Joint Supervisor Scheme✔   
CLiP✔ ✔ 
Additional Supervisor, or new to supervisionScheme✔✔ ✔
CLiP✔✔✔✔
*2 years post-registration experience (Scheme only until 7/26) OR a Principal Supervisor/Practice Lead Mentor OR evidence of previous successful supervision 
Additional/Task Supervisor 
Previous experienceQualification routeAdditional Supervisor training (1 CPD)CLiP training (1 CPD)Full College membership (optometrists)Associate membership (ophthalmic professions)
Scheme Principal or Joint Supervisor Scheme  ✔N/A
CLiP ✔✔N/A
Additional Supervisor, or new to supervision  Scheme✔ ✔From July 2026
CLiP✔✔✔✔

College support and training

The College has created an enhanced suite of training and development opportunities for supervisors as we near the launch of the first CLiP placements in July 2025. We’re here to support you in feeling confident and competent as a supervisor. 

This includes: 

  • training with CPD points
  • peer sessions focused on supervision best practice
  • leadership and communication CPD
  • drop-ins with Lead Assessors
  • online portal for CLiP supervisors
  • dedicated contact points for questions or guidance

New and improved supervisor training open to all registered users on the College website

Courses include: 

  • Workplace Supervisor training (parts one and two)  
  • Additional Supervisor Training 
  • CLiP conversion training (published soon) 
Access supervisor training

Take your supervision further

Optometric Practice Educator (OptPE), is the College's first-ever educational affix designed to recognise the dedication, expertise, and commitment of supervisors who nurture the next generation of optometrists. 

Earning the OptPE affix reflects the significant time and effort you have invested, integrated into and around your daily professional duties.  

Find out more and apply