CES Medical offers supervised IP placement sessions for qualified optometrists completing their independent prescribing training. Our placements are hands-on, clinically meaningful, and designed around your schedule.
Our placement programme is built around real clinical exposure — not tick-box observation. Here's what makes a CES placement different.
Work alongside experienced IP optometrists and ophthalmologists in a structured, supervised clinical environment designed to build real-world prescribing confidence.
We only take on a very small cohort of candidates and structure the programme so there is only ever one single candidate per site on the same day — ensuring dedicated mentorship and meaningful clinical exposure.
We are happy to work around your existing practice commitments. Placements are typically arranged across half-day or full-day sessions across our sites and partner practices.
Our centres are in Chatham, Headcorn and Tunbridge Wells. We also work with a group of partner optometry practices in the community across Kent.
Our supervisors include consultant ophthalmologists and experienced IP optometrists with extensive prescribing and surgical co-management experience.
Four simple steps from eligibility check to placement.
Check your eligibility
Use the eligibility checker below to confirm you meet the programme requirements before applying.
Submit your application
Complete the short online form with your details and placement requirements.
Initial conversation
A member of the CES team will contact you to discuss your needs and availability.
Placement confirmed
We'll agree dates, sign the necessary paperwork, and get you started.
Our placements are designed for optometrists who:
Answer three quick questions to confirm you meet our placement criteria.
Question 1 of 3
Trainee Feedback
“I experienced a range of specialist clinics and patient cases, both urgent and routine. By the end of my placement, I felt much more assured in my approach to patient care and prescribing.”
Jen W
IP Optometrist
Vision Express, Gillingham, Kent
“My placement was well organised and supported by a good variation of clinics. Excellent consultants with a wide breadth of knowledge. Certainly an invaluable placement.”
AJ B
IP Optometrist
Community Ophthalmology Service, Ashford, Kent
“Excellent experience during my IP placement. I had the opportunity to examine patients independently and discuss their management plans in detail with my mentor. There was a good variety of cases, all within a friendly and welcoming environment. Many thanks for a valuable and enjoyable placement.”
Conor L
IP Optometrist
Benenden Hospital, Benenden, Kent
“My introduction into prescribing was during my IP placement with CES. This was invaluable, shadowing various ophthalmology clinics and seeing a wide variety of ocular pathology and treatments. The experience helped build a solid foundation and confidence in prescribing.”
Bhavesh H
IP Optometrist
Specsavers, Sevenoaks, Kent
“I had a great experience during my IP placement. The consultant optometrists and ophthalmologists were all so approachable and always made me feel comfortable asking questions. I learned loads, and being local was such a bonus — it really helped me understand where my referrals go and how patients are managed in secondary care. Honestly, I can't thank the CES team enough for all their support and teaching.”
Kiren H
IP Optometrist
Specsavers, Chatham, Kent
“A fantastic placement experience with CES Academy. The variety of clinical cases and the quality of supervision gave me the confidence I needed to prescribe independently. I would highly recommend this programme to any optometrist considering the IP route.”
George B
IP Optometrist
Sittingbourne Eyecare, Sittingbourne, Kent
Complete our short application form and a member of the CES team will be in touch within 2 working days to discuss your placement.
Questions? Email us at [email protected]
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