What's New in Supervision
This page explains how supervision is evolving for the FTY, including what’s changing, who’s involved in supporting learners, what eligibility looks like, and how Public Services Delivery Scotland (PSD Scotland) will support supervisors at each stage.
Setting the Scene
From 2028, the FTY will introduce a brand-new supervision model, designed to align with the GOC’s updated Education and Training Requirements.
The approach will give students consistent support across all learning outcomes, including independent prescribing. It reflects the principles set out in the Sector Partnership for Optical Knowledge and Education (SPOKE) guidance on what good supervision looks like, with clear responsibilities for everyone involved and a shared understanding of the experience supervisors need to succeed.
New Developments in Supervision
The new requirements introduce several significant updates to supervision guidance, and these have been incorporated into the new model in Scotland:
Introduction of new roles
Introduction of Clinical Supervisor, Educational Supervisor, Academic Mentor and Collaborator roles within the FTY framework.
Newly qualified optometrists can supervise immediately.
The old requirement for two years of post‑qualification experience has been removed. Once training is completed, a newly qualified optometrist can supervise straight away, with appropriate training and support.
Expanded Supervisor Eligibility
Other qualified ophthalmic professionals can supervise within their scope of practice (e.g. an ophthalmologist while student on placement), provided they complete the appropriate training.
Collaborative Supervision
The GOC supervision guidance supports flexible, risk‑based supervision arrangements, allowing smaller practices to jointly supervise learners across practices. This option can be discussed directly with PSD Scotland.
Enhanced support and resources for supervisors
All supervisors must complete relevant training and have appropriate experience and support for the role they undertake. PSD Scotland provide expanded support, training, and guidance to help supervisors feel confident and capable under the new framework.
New Assessment Framework
Assessment has shifted away from a single end‑point exam model toward continuous, workplace‑based assessment aligned to real clinical practice. Throughout the FTY, students will be assessed against GOC outcomes through logged experience, observed practice, and structured review, captured in their ePortfolio.
A New Team Approach to Supervision
Each FTY student will be supported by a supervisory team consisting of three key roles
- a university-appointed Academic Mentor
- a practice-based Clinical Supervisor
- an NHS-appointed Educational Supervisor
Together, this team will offer comprehensive guidance and support throughout the year.
Watch this short video to learn about the supervisory team and their key roles: