I acknowledge the strength of feeling expressed about the introduction of a degree apprenticeship in optometry.
The College was not part of the initial trailblazer group which made the recommendation for a degree apprenticeship, but we have since joined the group to ensure that existing high qualification standards and learning experience is upheld, and to protect patient safety.
We will represent our members’ concerns to the trailblazer group, and will use them to inform our response to the consultation. Please be assured that we are committed to ensuring that any changes to the routes to qualification both through this, and the GOC’s Education Strategic Review, maintain education standards, ensure the quality of future practice, and protect patient safety.
We will strongly oppose any route to qualification which diminishes professional standards, quality of education, or puts patient safety at risk.
Read the College’s position statement on the optometry degree apprenticeship here. We will review our statement at the next stage of the process.
If you want to take action, you can personally respond to the apprenticeship consultation by 10 January. All feedback will need to be considered fully by the trailblazer group in reviewing how the standard is progressed.
If you have comments, suggestions or questions you would like to share with us, please get in touch.
Regards
Ian Humphreys
Chief Executive
The College of Optometrists