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Optometry progression scheme
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 will come into effect in September 2008.
The scheme will also be open to optometry students who graduated from UK universities between 2003 and 2008 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.
The College of Optometrists will offer the current PQE 1 in February 2008 and October 2008. After this time, there will be no further PQE 1 examinations.
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 will come into effect in September 2008.
The scheme will also be open to optometry students who graduated from UK universities between 2003 and 2008 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.
The College of Optometrists will offer the current PQE 1 in February 2008 and October 2008. After this time, there will be no further PQE 1 examinations.