Optometry Scotland (OS) supports the Foundation Training Year (FTY) and wants to see a model that delivers high-quality training while being financially and operationally viable for practices across Scotland. The Expression of Interest process has now concluded, and OS is actively engaging with the Scottish Government and PSD Scotland on the outcome, its implications for the current proposal and the next steps. We will continue to represent members and press for the clarity and improvements needed to deliver a workable model.
Update: 5th of October 2026
PSD Scotland’s Expression of Interest for prospective Foundation Training Year placement providers closed on 23 September 2026 and the outcome has now been shared with OS. The conclusion of the EOI process provides an important point at which to review the current model and address the concerns OS has raised throughout.
OS is unable to share the detailed results at this stage due to confidentiality. We are seeking urgent clarification from the Scottish Government on what the outcome means for the current proposal, placement capacity and the next stage of the programme.
OS supports the FTY and wants the programme to succeed. Our position remains that practices must have sufficient information, appropriate support and a viable package if the programme is to attract the number and geographical spread of placements required across Scotland.
What happens next?
The process remains ongoing and the EOI outcome does not represent the final position on the Foundation Training Year.
OS is actively engaging with both the Scottish Government and PSD Scotland and has sought further discussion on:
- the implications of the EOI outcome for the current model
- expected placement capacity and geographical coverage
- the outstanding financial and operational concerns raised by practices
- whether changes to the proposed package will now be considered
- the timetable and process for the next stage of implementation
We will continue to advocate for a model that:
- is financially viable for placement providers
- provides clear and workable employment and supervision arrangements
- can attract sufficient placements across Scotland
- recognises the particular challenges faced by independent, small, rural and remote practices
- provides practices and students with the certainty they need before making a commitment
There has already been important progress. Following sustained engagement by OS and the wider sector, the Scottish Government confirmed that supervised GOS eye examinations undertaken by FTY students will attract 100% of the applicable GOS fee.
We welcome that progress, but further clarity and improvements to the wider package are still required.
OS will continue to press for a constructive discussion with the Scottish Government and PSD Scotland and will update members as soon as further information is confirmed.
What OS has been doing
Ahead of the EOI closing, OS wrote to Gillian Leslie, Deputy Director of Dentistry and Optometry at the Scottish Government, seeking clarification on outstanding issues and assurance that the proposal would be reviewed if the EOI did not demonstrate sufficient and geographically representative participation.
A response was received, but a number of key issues remain unresolved.
Following the closure of the EOI, OS has continued discussions with PSD Scotland and is seeking an early meeting with the Scottish Government to consider the outcome, the implications for the current model and any changes that may now be required.
We will continue to work constructively with both organisations while firmly representing the concerns raised by our members.
What you can do
Member evidence remains important as OS continues discussions with the Scottish Government and PSD Scotland.
Members may wish to:
- Contact their local MSP to highlight the importance of securing an FTY model that is workable for practices across Scotland.
- Share evidence with OS about the financial or operational impact of the current proposal on your practice.
- Keep up to date through the OS Policy Hub, where we are maintaining the FTY timeline, our current position, FAQs and supporting information as the programme develops.
OS has also prepared a draft letter to local MSPs, which members can adapt and use if they wish. The letter is available in the Policy Hub.
For questions or to share evidence, contact your OS representative, regional representative or email office@optometryscotland.org.uk