The last of the regional training days for assessors and examiners for the College of Optometrists' professional qualification took place this week.
The session included a clarification of changes that will be made to the competencies pre-registration optometrists will have to show evidence of completion before qualifying.
Changes were minimal, but there were new inclusions, such as the ability to use a non-contact tonometer as well as the contact technique currently required, an acknowledgement of an awareness of the potential for cross-infection within practice, and a streamlining of a number of currently repetitive or ambiguous competencies, such as fields assessment and colour vision screening.
Candidates will still be required to show experience of rigid gas-permeable contact lens fitting and aftercare, despite rumours that this might be dropped.
The new competency strategy will be in place for the start of the next year's pre-registration intake in the summer.