Free safeguarding training provided by the College of Optometrists

Safeguarding training is to be provided free of charge to all pre-reg trainees, the College of Optometrists has announced.

Completion of safeguarding training is normally an essential requirement for optometrists to be able join the NHS performers list and has previously only been available to fully qualified optometrists through DOCET post qualification.

The College said this had caused many newly-qualified optometrists a delay in their being able to practice unsupervised, unless their employer or local area has been able to provide suitable training.

Training modules have been developed by DOCET and consist of two modules, one on safeguarding children and one on safeguarding adults, meeting the required Level 2/Core standards and is GOC and Optical Confederation approved.