Optometry Supervisor Training Grant claims

The traditional model of a 3-year undergraduate degree plus 1-year pre-registration placement (Scheme for Registration) is being replaced by a 4-year integrated master’s programme.

This new structure incorporates clinical placements within the undergraduate course. These placements may be:

• facilitated by the College of Optometrists through Clinical Learning in Practice (CLiP)
• developed by institutions, provided they comply with the General Optical Council (GOC) requirements for optometry educational training

There will be a period of dual running, during which both Scheme for Registration (SfR) and CLiP placements will be eligible for funding. 

This will ensure continuity of placements and minimise disruption to optometry trainees, supervisors and practices. The pre-reg training grant claim form will cover all applicable schemes.

CLiP undergraduate training requires a total of 48 weeks of placement work. Of these, 4 weeks are designated as non-clinical observational placements, which may take place during the first 3 years of undergraduate study. These 4 observational weeks are not covered by the clinical placement training payment.

Claims are processed by Primary Care Support England (PCSE) on behalf of NHS England.

The claim form must be signed by:

• The contractor
• The supervisor
• The trainee

Unsigned or incomplete forms may result in delays or rejection.

Optometry Supervisor Grant claims must relate to one of the following approved training schemes:

• Scheme for Registration (SfR)
• Clinical Learning in Practice (CLiP)

Claims must not exceed the scheme‑specific limits that apply to each training route.

The value of the Optometry Supervisor Grant is set annually by the Department of Health and Social Care. Find the current grant value here.

The maximum number of weeks that can be claimed depends on the training scheme:

• SfR claims are limited to a maximum of 24 weeks per six‑month block, with an overall maximum of 48 weeks per trainee
• CLiP claims are limited to a maximum of 22 weeks per six‑month block, with an overall maximum of 44 weeks per trainee. 4 weeks are designated as non-clinical observational placements, which may take place during the first 3 years of undergraduate study. These 4 observational weeks are not covered by the clinical placement training payment.

Payment is subject to validation of eligibility and scheme limits.

From 1 April 2026, claims must be submitted using a six‑month claiming model.

The 12‑month claim option is no longer available for any training placement ending on or after 1 April 2026.

A 12‑month claim option is only available where:

• The claim was created before go‑live, and
• The training placement end date is before 1 April 2026

Any placement ending on or after 1 April 2026 must be claimed using the six‑month model.

Claims must be submitted within three months of the training placement end date.

Claims submitted outside this timeframe will not be accepted.

Claims must be submitted using the updated claim form titled:

Application Form for Payment of Grant for Providing Optometry Training

The completed form should be submitted in line with the guidance on the PCSE website.

Yes. From 1 April 2026, an updated claim form must be used.

The updated form:

• Removes the 12‑month selection option where it no longer applies
• Supports claims for both SfR and CLiP training schemes
• Additional information will be required to identify if the optometry trainee is on the SfR, CLiP or any other clinical framework provided it complies with the General Optical Council (GOC) requirements for optometry educational training
• Allows six‑month block claims and pro‑rata claims by exception
• Includes revised declarations and validation requirements

Claims submitted using an outdated form may be rejected.

In exceptional circumstances, pro‑rata claims may be accepted where:

• A trainee completes less than six months of training, or
• There is a change of Supervisor and or Contractor during the placement

All pro‑rata claims are subject to review by the PCSE operations team and must remain within the overall scheme limits.

Where a trainee does not complete the full training programme, a manual exception process applies. Further information can be found on the NHS England website.

Each case is reviewed individually by PCSE to determine whether a claim can be paid.

Yes, in certain circumstances.

Where there is a change of Contractor and or Supervisor during the training placement:

• Claims may be submitted by different Contractors or Supervisors
• The total claimed weeks must not exceed the scheme‑specific limits