Optometry

Below, supervisors working in a variety of roles across the profession share what supervision means to them, why it matters, and the benefits it has brought to their practice:

We would like to thank all those involved for generously sharing your time, experience and insight to support this work.

👥 Supervisor Eligibility

To act as a Clinical Supervisor for a FTY student, you must:

• have current registration with GOC
• comply with the GOC code of conduct in their professional practice, including all aspects related to supervision
• have appropriate indemnity insurance 
• be competent in the clinical area(s) you will be supervising the student in 
• undertake the core training facilitated by Public Services Delivery Scotland (PSD Scotland)

👥Supervisor Experience

Clinical Supervisors may have a range of experience levels. As part of the placement application, supervisors will select the category that best reflects their current experience.

These categories align with SPOKE supervision guidance and will be used to guide support and development opportunities and do not affect eligibility or placement approval:

• Experienced: Has supervised a student through to successful registration (e.g. SfR or final MOptom placement such as CLiP/FTY).
• Developing: Has contributed to supervision across various stages of training, but has not yet supervised a student through a complete cycle in the SfR, CLiP or FTY.
• New: Has no prior supervision experience and will be supported through PSD Scotland facilitated peer support or mentorship arrangements. 

* Clinical Supervisors can also share these observation opportunities with other registered healthcare professionals within the practice or wider team - such as dispensing opticians or ophthalmologists - helping create a supportive, collaborative learning environment.

The flowchart below outlines the routes to supervision for both Clinical Supervisors and Collaborators (click the image to enlarge): 

Once onboard, you can expect to feel supported through optometry‑focused, structured training and support aligned with established supervisory frameworks used across NHS Scotland.

✔️ Mandatory training and protected time
Supervisors will be required to complete core supervisory training every three years. This training will typically take ~ one day of practice time and will be fully remunerated.

✔️ Induction
An initial induction will support supervisors at the start of their role, clarifying expectations, responsibilities, and key processes for supervising within the FTY.

✔️ Ongoing training and support
All Clinical Supervisors will have access to a comprehensive support package, including a dedicated Supervisors Hub on Turas Learn, national webinars offering guidance at key stages of the FTY, peer support sessions, and clear direct support contacts.

✨ You’ll be able to express your interest in taking part in the FTY from August 2026 ✨ 

📝 Applications to become a Clinical Supervisor and Placement Provider will then be open between 11th January - 28th February 2027. Check back here nearer the time for more details.