It might feel like a final destination, it's just as scary, but the final assessment of the pre-reg year for optometrists is hopefully only the beginning of a long career in optometry.

Final Assessment

The final assessment takes the form of an OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination), where candidates show that they can apply optometric theory in a clinical setting. The OSCE consists of sixteen, five-minute stations, where candidates carry out tasks based on the 75 GOC elements of competence. The final assessment follows the stage 1 and stage 2 assessments where trainees undergo assessment in their practice, on things like routine clinical skills, routine eye examination, soft contact lens fitting and aftercare. Successful completion of stages 1 and 2 means the pre-reg optometrist can progress to the final assessment.

Mock OSCEs

OSCEs can be a nerve-wracking experience, but knowing what to expect on the day of your examination will help you feel more prepared and less nervous. The College of Optometrists produces a briefing video with candidate guidance that gives you a good idea of what to expect on the day of your final assessment. But there's nothing quite like doing it for real. The Optom Academy run mock OSCE courses throughout the year. The mock OSCE courses are run like the real thing, with all the formality and pressure to perform built-in. But feedback on your performance from experienced optometrists means that the mistakes you make in the mock won't be carried through to the real exam.

Pre Reg Optometrist Course at Eyecare 2018

If you're a pre-reg optometrist, you can join the Optom Academy at their Pre-Reg course including mock OSCEs at Eyecare 2018 on Sunday 21 January 2018 for the discount price of £25. The course will cover the format of the staged assessments and OSCEs. As well as mock OSCEs. It will offer group tutorials on popular topics where pre-reg students are known to struggle. You will have a chance to talk to recently qualified optometrists who can give you tips and advice on the practice assessments and OSCEs. The course has limited numbers so book now to secure your place. Visit eyecareglasgow.com or call 0131 526 3800 for more details.