Top results for optometry graduates
25 January 2016
Pass rates for professional examinations above national average
Cardiff University optometry graduates are significantly ahead of the national average in gaining their professional qualifications.
To make the transition from a student to a professional optometrist, trainees are required to complete a pre-registration period governed by the College of Optometrists.
The 2015 average pass rate for graduates from the School of Optometry and Vision Sciences is 92%, compared to the national average of 74%.
Trainees complete three stages with the final assessment in the form of an Objective Structured Clinical Examination, testing the practical skills of trainees.
Professor Marcela Votruba, Head of the School of Optometry and Vision Sciences said “Passing these examinations is essential before becoming an independently practicing optometrist. Our graduates’ have repeatedly achieved pass rates that are significantly above the national average and lead the UK in the professional examinations.
“Our graduates also consistently achieve 100% pre-registration employment, with many employers knowing they will be well trained. This demonstrates our commitment to providing high quality teaching from internationally renowned academic staff, with students benefiting from hands on experience and purpose built facilities. We are continuing to confirm our position as a UK leading School of Optometry.”
The School was ranked the highest out of UK optometry schools for its quality of research in the 2014 REF.
Bethan Crocker (BSc, 2015), graduate of the School said “I received a great deal of support and encouragement from all the staff and lecturers within the school.
“The course is a good mix of theory and practical elements, with the opportunity to get involved with a range of clinical aspects including the eye clinic and hospital visits. I believe this is crucial to the success of Cardiff graduates.
“I am pleased to be able to continue my relationship with the School, working at the eye clinic as the pre-registration Optometrist.”