More pre-reg students are stumbling at Stage 2 of the Scheme for Registration (SfR) with males doing worse than their female colleagues according to a study published by the College of Optometrists.
In a cohort of 593 enrolled between June 1 2014 and May 31 2015, 82% passed Stage 2 by the second attempt. However, this number is down by 15% in comparison with the College’s last report which found that 97% passed Stage 2 by their second attempt. The number of students needing additional resits after their second attempt increased by 14%, jumping from 3% to 17% in the space of a year.
Despite an apparent increase in the number of trainees struggling with Stage 2, director of education at the College of Optometrists Jackie Martin said that the organisation was ‘satisfied’ with the scheme and it continues to ‘set and maintain the highest standards’ for the profession.
The report also revealed that female students performed better than male trainees, with 11% more males than females defined at ‘struggling’. The study showed multiple practices provided 85% of pre-reg training placements.