A8 Supervision

Guideline
A8.01 Any optometrist who is involved in supervising a pre-registration trainee or colleague must be aware of the activities of the trainee or colleague and be available and able to give support or advice where necessary.

Advice
General
A8.02 Practitioners are reminded to take their supervising responsibilities seriously. They may be asked to supervise in various ways. They may be asked to supervise a pre-registration trainee, a colleague returning to practice, or a colleague undergoing additional training. This would normally be set out in the training contract or contract of engagement.

Supervising trainee optometrists

A8.03 Under the terms of registration, a supervisor is legally responsible for the actions of their preregistration trainee. A8.04 Under GOC Rules, it is only legal for trainee optometrists to test the sight of a person if they are doing so under the continuous personal supervision of a registered optometrist or a registered medical practitioner.1 A8.05 When supervising a pre-registration trainee the supervisor undertakes to provide continuous personal supervision. This requires the presence of the supervisor on the premises whilst the person training as an optometrist is testing sight, and the supervisor ensuring that no untoward consequences to the detriment of the patient can arise from the actions of such a person within the course of their professional practice.2 A8.06 If you are unable to discharge your responsibilities under paragraph A8.05 above, it is your responsibility to ensure that another suitably qualified colleague is able to provide the required degree of supervision. It is essential that both registered professionals in a supervising capacity and those being supervised are aware of their roles and duties and particularly what functions cannot be carried out without a GOC/GMC registered supervisor being present on the premises and in a position to intervene. A8.07 If any other optometrist or appropriate clinical professional is asked to oversee the trainee they shall be made aware of their responsibilities2 and have agreed to undertake that responsibility. It is recommended that this is put in writing, with a copy given to the trainee.

General principles of supervision

A8.08 Supervisors are reminded of their responsibilities to ensure that the trainee or colleague maintains an up to date portfolio that complies with the Data Protection Act 1998 and Caldicott guidelines on confidentiality. A8.09 The supervising optometrist should encourage the trainee or colleague to experience the full range of optometric situations. A8.10 The supervising optometrist should encourage the trainee or colleague to participate in appropriate training and professional development outside the consulting room. As well as

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hospital experience, which is required during the pre-registration period, this includes participating in small group peer review sessions and revision courses. A8.11 As in any area of practice, supervising optometrists, trainees and colleagues should recognise the limits of their professional competence. Supervising optometrists should indicate to trainees or colleagues when more senior advice or assistance should be sought and should ensure that those that they are supervising know when to ask for help or intervention. A8.12 If any restricted function is carried out under supervision, policies should be in place so that it is clear, on a daily basis, which registered professional is responsible for the supervision. The policies should ensure that supervisors are able, practically, to fulfil their supervisory role. A8.13 Supervisors and supervisees are referred to section F3 for advice on the supervision of the sale and supply of spectacles. A8.14 The same principles apply to optometrists who are supervising dispensing opticians training as contact lens opticians.

Information
A8.15 The following information is relevant to this section: FODO guidance on supervision. Available at www.fodo.com/smartweb.rsourcecategories/professional-standards (accessed 6/5/11)

Additional information
Good Surgical Practice, The Royal College of Surgeons of England 2008 www.rcseng.ac.uk/publications/docs/good-surgical-practice-1 Accessed 26/8/09 Information about the Colleges Scheme for Registration, including the supervisors handbook can be found at www.college-optometrists.org/index.aspx/pcms/site.education.ex.sfr.sfr_home/

References
1 2

The Testing of Sight by Persons Training as Optometrists Rules 1993, Rule 3(b) Supervision of a pre-registration trainee undertaking by supervisors. Found on the College of Optometrists enrolment form Terms and Conditions www.college-optometrists.org

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The College of Optometrists. Pub July 11 Rev April 10