This week, the College published a report analysing the performance of trainees on the Scheme for Registration (SfR) for the first time. As the qualifying body for the profession, we are able to analyse data from the pre-registration period and can share our insights with all those in the profession who support the next generation of optometrists.
The report provides a snapshot of a single group of pre-registration optometrists and gives us some interesting demographic data as well as elements of competence that trainees struggle with most, which will be particularly beneficial for students, supervisors, employers and universities.
It found that 42% of trainees needed no resits or additional visits at any stage of the pre-registration training, while 71% of trainees needed a maximum of one resit at stage two to complete the scheme successfully; a very positive finding. The report also found that if a trainee did struggle, it tended to be at the beginning of the SfR at stage one, with student’s progress improving through the stages. This demonstrates that the scheme, and the support structure provided by a College assessor and supervisor, works well and addresses deficiencies in knowledge or competence early.
The demographic findings mirror those of the College’s Optical Workforce Survey, published earlier this year. It will come as no surprise that many more women than men enter the profession, but the report also shows female trainees outperformed male colleagues.
We’re pleased the SfR is doing its job in maintaining professional standards and preparing trainees for a career in optometry.
The SfR Pre-Registration Trainee Analysis Report can be accessed via the College’s website.
Ian Humphreys, chief executive, College of Optometrists