General Optical Council

Therapeutic Prescribing Specialties

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The Additional Supply specialty is open to optometrists only. Registrants with the Additional Supply specialty are qualified to write orders for, and supply in an emergency, a range of drugs in addition to those which can be ordered or supplied by a normal optometrist.

The Supplementary Prescribing specialty is open to optometrists only. Registrants with the Supplementary Prescribing specialty are qualified to manage a patient’s clinical condition and prescribe medicines according to a clinical management plan set up in conjunction with an independent prescriber, such as a GP or ophthalmologist or qualified optometrist.

The independent prescribing specialty is open to optometrists only. Qualified independent prescribers will take responsibility for the clinical assessment of a patient, establish a diagnosis and determine the clinical management required, including prescribing where necessary.
 
Am I eligible to train?
Optometrists must have been practising in the UK for two full years before they are eligible to start training for the therapeutic specialty qualifications.

What does the training involve?
Training for therapeutic specialties is built around nine competencies which are grouped into three categories:
  • The consultation
  • Prescribing effectively
  • Prescribing in context 

The detail within the competencies changes according to each specialty.

How is it taught?
The competencies for both specialties are delivered in various formats. Trainees must:

  • Pass taught theory modules
  • Undertake a clinical placement under supervision of a designated ophthalmologist - optometrists must demonstrate necessary clinical skills before beginning this placement
  • Maintain a portfolio of practice evidence for submission at the end of the course
  • Maintain a portfolio of practice evidence to be assessed by the College of Optometrists. Candidates are also required to pass a viva examination.

 

Where can I train?
The following courses are available in therapeutic specialties:

Independent prescribing courses are currently being developed. We anticipate that courses will be available after January 2009. Please check our website regularly for any updates about independent prescribing courses.

What happens after I complete my training?
After you have completed your additional training and qualified in your specialty area, you will need to be entered on the relevant therapeutic specialty register. To do this you will need to complete a registration process. Visit the registration section of this site for further information on registering your specialty. 

Will I need to collect CET points?
Yes, you will be required to collect one CET point for every two months you are on the register within the 2007- 2009 cycle. Click on the following link for further details of how the CET points are calculated for Therapeutic Prescribing specialties from September 2008. 

 

Where can I find out more?
More information on training in therapeutics and prescribing is available from the College of Optometrists's website.