College trials revised pre-reg examination

The College of Optometrists trialled the new final examination for qualification in optometry at the headquarters of the General Medical Council in London yesterday.

If analysis of the pilot is positive, the new OSCE (objective structure clinical examination) will replace the current system and the plan is to introduce it for pre-registration optometrists in June 2009.

In 2005 the College replaced the old viva-based professional qualification examination part 2 (widely known as the PQEs) with a practice-based assessment and a four-part examination based on the GOC competencies.

At present, pre-registration optometrists, having completed experience in all the competencies to the satisfaction of their College assessor, are entered for an examination assessing their skills in routine eye examination, contact lens practice, ocular disease and clinical decision-making.