Last week, the College of Optometrists published an interesting analysis of the pre-registration optometrist cohort of June 2014 to August 2016. It provides a useful snapshot of up and coming optometrists in the UK.
First point of interest was the demographic profile of the group which reflects well that of younger optometrists. Nearly 70% were female and this is now the pattern with many clinical vocations. The range of ethnic profiles is laudable, with the most common ethnicity being Asian Indian (at 32%), with white British next (30%) and then Asian Pakistani in third place (14%). An eye-watering 82% are employed in the multiple sector.
Secondly, of the 93% of 641 trainees that persevered with the scheme to achieve qualification, patterns emerged of competency areas that proved more challenging than others. Stage 2, the in-practice assessment of routine eye examination, contact lens skills and record card discussions, is the main hurdle. Though 82% passed after one or two attempts, 32% needed a second attempt with 17% requiring further resits. As in previous analyses, success in the pre-reg year correlates well with better degree results.
I have written before about the difficulty many pre-reg’s have in passing competencies linked to dispensing. A focimetry station in the final OSCE exams always has a low pass rate and I have recently witnessed a station where the challenge was simply to measure centration distance and heights but in which many failed to achieve the required accuracy.
Other areas of challenge highlighted by the report include accurate and legible record keeping, poor technique with contact tonometry, and inaccurate retinoscopy. Communication skills assessment has come to the fore in recent years, and too many leave university still unable to avoid jargon or displaying a concerning lack of empathy with more challenging patients.
The report should be essential reading for all supervisors and current pre-reg optometrists.