I still occasionally hear the view that the pre-registration scheme for qualification run by the College of Optometrists is a lot easier than the one operated years ago. I disagree, and would further argue that the old scheme was not fit for purpose.
When I took my PQEs way back in 1989, the 10 face to face vivas and practical assessments were certainly daunting and the average 35% to 40% first time pass rate seemingly insurmountable. That said, a good deal of last minute cramming and a degree of confidence in assessments got me through. Whether it made me better prepared for practice on my own as an optometrist is another thing.
The current scheme, now fully established, requires ongoing assessment within the trainee’s own practice. They are required to see a wide range of patients and be able to present these and justify their actions.
There are practical assessments and a final OSCE assessment.
I yesterday completed my annual training mandatory for assessors and examiners. New developments we were informed of included the introduction of more programmed support for supervisors – the days of people signing off a batch of records for their trainee with no intervention are thankfully long gone. I was also interested to see that the percentage of trainees getting through both stages of their in-practice assessment and the OSCEs at first attempt was just under 40%. There is no dumbing down and the new system better prepares trainees for professional life. If any part of the system might be argued as not fit for practice, it might be the undergraduate training.
Finally, on a different note, I was saddened to read of the death last week of Raymond Smullyan – I guarantee any of his books will convert those who have been put off maths by our education system.
