Programmes
Scheme for Registration Placements
This programme starts in late July/early August each year and you’ll work with us full-time for at least one year whilst completing assessments run by the College of Optometrists. On successful completion of your final OSCE exams you will be eligible for registration as an Optometrist with the GOC.
You’ll be working in store with your Opticians team, under the guidance of one of our clinical supervisors. You’ll be getting to know your patients in the consulting room whilst performing eye examinations and contact lens checks, as well as dispensing them with glasses and contact lenses that suit their needs. You’ll continue learning through online modules, working with your Supervisor, and attending learning workshops with our Professional Capability team. You’ll have a personal Learning & Development Specialist for advice and develop a network of Pre-reg Optometrists from Boots stores in your area and across the UK.
Clinical Learning in Practice (CLiP) Programmes
You’ll need be studying on a new-style Master of Optometry degree, and this programme will happen towards the end of your course. These undergraduate placements are part of the updated Education & Training Requirements (ETR) published by the GOC. You’ll have assessments run by the College of Optometrists throughout CLiP, before final exams with your University.
You’ll be working in store with your Opticians team, under the guidance of one of our clinical supervisors four days per week whilst studying on the fifth day for around one year. You’ll be getting to know your patients in the consulting room whilst performing eye examinations and contact lens checks, as well as dispensing them with glasses and contact lenses that suit their needs. In addition to your University learning day, we’ll support you through online modules and workshops with our Professional Capability team. You’ll have a personal Learning & Development Specialist for advice and develop a network of Pre-reg Optometrists from Boots Opticians stores in your area and across the UK.
Part time roles at Boots Opticians
Working part time in a clinical setting can both support you in your learning at university and set you up for success once you move onto longer placements.
We have a number of Optical Support roles across our Boots Opticians stores including Optical Consultants and Opticians Retail Assistants. We encourage all Optometry students to look at our latest part time opportunities on www.boots.jobs where you can also register for job alerts.
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Your learning and development
Our Professional Capability team are experts in providing the right courses for our Pre-registration Optometrists. Our learners perform above the national average at OSCEs, with an 80%* pass rate. Our courses are designed and run by experienced College Assessors and Examiners, who have both supervision and store leadership experience, so you’re in good hands!
Throughout your Pre-registration year you’ll be mentored by your dedicated in-store supervisor and given unique access to a suite of industry-leading learning resources.
*at August 2024
Our Application Process
To be considered for a Boots Pre Reg placement, you will need to apply online. On application, you will be asked to provide your student GOC number and your top location preferences which we will use to help determine store locations that may be suitable for you. Candidates that select a variety of locations will have a better chance of securing a placement.
Clinical Learning in Practice (CLiP) Programmes
You will apply through the CLiP portal, links to this will be provided by your university.
If you have any questions, you can contact us at opticians.recruitment.programmes@boots.co.uk
As part of your application, you will be required to complete a short online assessment to measure how well your current skills and behaviours match ours, this should take around 20 minutes to complete and will be used to prioritise your application when arranging interviews.
Clinical Learning in Practice (CLiP) Programmes
Your application will be shortlisted against the answers given to the application questions.
Once you have completed your application on the college portal, you will receive a short online assessment to complete to measure how well your current skills and behaviours match ours. This should take around 20 minutes to complete and will be used to shortlist your application to interview stage.
Once we have matched your application to a suitable location, we will then invite you to meet a member of our team for a competency-based interview which should last no more than an hour. In most cases, we will arrange a face-to-face interview however virtual interviews may be considered if required.
Clinical Learning in Practice (CLiP) Programmes
If you are successful after the shortlisting process, you will be invited to an interview in store. This will be a competency-based interview.
In most cases, we arrange a face-to-face interview, as it provides the best opportunity for you to experience the store environment.
If needed, we’re open to consider virtual interviews under extenuating circumstances.
Once we have completed all interviews, our store teams will then decide on which candidates they wish to offer a Pre-reg placement.
Clinical Learning in Practice (CLiP) Programmes
If successful, your offers will be sent through the portal.
Our Culture
Pre-registration Optometrist Stories
Our Team
Meet our Professional Capability Team
Our team are experts in providing the right courses for our Pre-registration Optometrists, working closely with Universities and the College of Optometrists to ensure you get the very best support. Our team includes Optometrists, Contact Lens and Dispensing Opticians as well as College Assessors, Examiners and previous Store Leaders, with the right experience and knowledge to guide you through your learning journey.
