Foundation Training Year (FTY)
Welcome to the NES Turas Learn homepage for Optometry FTY.
‘Strengthening eyecare delivery in Scotland through innovation in education and training’.
Page development
Please note that these pages are currently under development, with information regularly updated to reflect the exciting changes in this area. Please check back frequently to keep up to date with the project.
Background
In 2021, the General Optical Council (GOC) updated its Education and Training Requirements (ETR) as part of the Education Strategic Review. These changes mean UK optometry programmes now integrate all practical and theoretical training, providing a direct route to qualification and registration at graduation.
To meet these requirements, Scotland’s two Schools of Optometry, Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) and the University of the Highlands & Islands (UHI), have developed Master of Optometry programmes with Independent Prescribing. Supported by Scottish Government funding, NES will help deliver clinical placements in the new fifth-year, to be known as the Foundation Training Year (FTY).
This collaborative approach, involving universities, NHS Scotland, placement providers, and the wider profession, will ensure the FTY prepares students for their future roles and supports high-quality eye care across Scotland.
For more details, watch this short video:
Aim
The aim of the FTY is to enable students to demonstrate the skills, knowledge and behaviours required to practice to the standards expected of a GOC-registered optometrist, as outlined in the Standards of practice for Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians.
It has been developed to support the training of adaptable, therapeutically qualified optometrists who will be confident and capable of operating in multi-disciplinary teams across a variety of healthcare settings, to meet diverse and changing patient needs.
This will be achieved by:
- offering workplace-based, practical training in clinical settings,
- facilitating the development of professional responsibility and the knowledge and skills required of a GOC-registered IP optometrist,
- supporting students for completion of the FTY and GOC registration,
- continuing the development of professional skills and encouraging postgraduate education.
Who is involved?
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The FTY is being delivered in partnership with Scottish Government, Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) and the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI), along with collaborative input from key stakeholders. These stakeholders include representation from the Association of Optometrists (AOP), the College of Optometrists, FODO, the General Optical Council (GOC) and Optometry Scotland (OS) as well as the Hospital Eye Service (HES) and Optometric Advisors. Partner businesses are also represented and these include Asda, Boots, Duncan and Todd, Hakim Group, Optical Express, Specsavers and Vision Express.
For more information on the Master of Optometry with Independent Prescribing programmes, please visit:
Master of Optometry with Independent Prescribing | Glasgow Caledonian University
Master of Optometry with Independent Prescribing | University of the Highlands and Islands
What is the timeline for development?
The first cohort of students will commence the FTY in Summer 2028. The timeline for the FTY development is shown on the diagram.
If you have any queries, please contact us at nes.ftyoptometry@nhs.scot
NES Optometry FTY Roadmap
- NES Optometry FTY Roadmap ( Download, 600 KB)