General Optical Council

In June 2007, the General Optical Council approved new arrangements for entry to the optometry pre-registration period to replace the Professional Qualifying Examinations Part 1 (PQE1). [See Council papers June 2007, item C(28)07]

The new scheme is designed to offer support to those who do not achieve the required standard for automatic progression. (Students who fail to achieve a 2(ii) degree and competence in key skills).

The GOC's optometry progression scheme came into effect in September 2008.

The scheme is also open to optometry students who graduated from UK universities since 2003 but did not achieve the required standard for automatic progression, or whose certificate of clinical competence has expired.

Only one attempt will be permitted in the progression scheme.

Performance in the progression scheme will not alter the classification of the optometry degree initially awarded to the candidate.

Universities approved by the GOC will consider whether to participate in the progression scheme. Potential candidates should contact GOC-approved universities directly to ascertain whether the university intends to offer the progression scheme to potential candidates.

Potential candidates should seek advice from participating universities about their suitability for the progression scheme.

Universities will charge candidates for participation in the scheme.