Some of the optometry students involved in Facebook postings from a practical exam (News 20.07.12) have been referred to the General Optical Council.
The College of Optometrists referred the trainees after it was found that questions from its Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) had been posted on the social networking site. Postings were quickly removed by the College, before it appointed an investigation panel to examine the evidence.
The panel found that a group of the trainees had some involvement in the group, but not enough for the College to refer them to the GOC or annul their results.
Others, who were 'substantially involved' in the group, were referred to the GOC for consideration under its fitness to practise procedures, the College added.