Optics plans to offset shortfall of graduates

Concerns that strikes by lecturers this summer will prevent hundreds of optometry students from graduating are growing. However, the profession has acted to try to maintain the numbers of optometry students working in optical practices.

Last month Optician reported that academics were refusing to mark exam papers, following disputes led by the AUT (Association of Teachers) and NATFHE, and that graduations may have to be postponed ('Lecturer strike could prevent graduations', News, April 14).

A meeting between the optical bodies last week at the GOC heard that the latest pay offer in the dispute had been rejected, and that it was likely that Cardiff, Glasgow and Bradford universities might be affected, with optometry students at other universities possibly suffering also.

Representatives from the AOP, FODO, the College of Optometrists and the GOC were also told that the universities affected were likely to make contingency arrangements for the final examinations to be held and degrees awarded by the end of September, otherwise they would run the risk of the schedule running into the next academic year.

With the AOP and FODO ensuring the appropriate insurance arrangements are made, the College and the GOC have agreed a way to enable students affected by the industrial action to proceed to supervised practice.

The GOC has endorsed the College's proposal to temporarily suspend part of its regulations relating to enrolment for pre-registration training, and the suspension will remain in force until the end of the strikes and the subsequent awarding of degree results.

Bryony Pawinska, College chief executive, said: 'The College understands the plight of this year's final year students who, through no fault of theirs, may suffer a delay in receiving their degree classification and therefore to their eligibility to join the College Scheme for Registration.

'We have proposed a solution that ensures patient safety, a priority for the College  while at the same time meeting the needs of employers to provide a full service to their patients.'

Peter Coe, GOC chief executive, said he was pleased to have been able to work with the College to find a solution. 'Pre-registration students play an important role in delivering eye care, so it's vital that they are able to continue to provide this service to patients safely.

College and GOC five-point plan
The universities unable to provide final exams and/or allow students to graduate would second those who would otherwise have been graduating into community placements (as Glasgow Caledonian already does for its existing undergraduates)
The secondments would be with the same professionals who would have supervised the students if they had achieved a 2:2 degree or above, and moved into their pre-registration year
When these students finally received their degree (at levels of 2:2 or higher) they would transfer straight into the pre-reg scheme
Once in a pre-reg placement, the student/trainee would be assessed as normal by the College assessors
If, on confirmation of degree class, any trainee registered and practising under supervision as a result of the College's suspension of its regulations has failed to obtain at least a second-class degree, the trainee will immediately be removed from the scheme.