College of Optometrists relaxes supervisor rules

The College of Optometrists has introduced more flexibility to the rules regarding the number of pre-reg optometrists a supervisor can employ.

Previously the College stated that supervisors could only employ a second trainee if the existing trainee had successfully completed the work-based assessment, but had been unsuccessful in the Final Assessment of the Scheme for Registration.

Supervisors may now employ a second trainee if the first trainee has undertaken the third quarterly work-based assessment and there are sufficient practice facilities for both trainees to have the sole use of a consulting room for sight testing for a minimum of 20 hours a week.