GOC approves new rules for interactive CET

Registrants will have to obtain at least 50% of their CET points by interactive methods from January. The change is part of the GOC’s enhanced CET scheme for optometrists, contact lens opticians and dispensing opticians from next year. The GOC gave formal approval to the new rules which will underpin the CET scheme at its meeting in London last week.

 

Under the enhanced scheme, optometrists and contact lens opticians will have to take part in at least one peer discussion session in each CET cycle. All registrants will have to obtain CET points across each of the competency units relevant to their registration. Registrants will be encouraged to earn points every year, so that CET is spread out across the three-year cycle.

 

The GOC’s head of education and standards, Linda Ford, updated practitioners on the incoming CET changes at the recent National Optical Conference (pictured). Responding to an OT question this week, she explained: “In developing our proposals to enhance the CET requirements, we commissioned research into risk. Whilst the risks associated with GOC registrants are generally low, the research did identify a key risk associated with professionally isolated practitioners. That is why the new rules are designed to help registrants improve their practice by learning from each other. Registrants will be expected to take part in more interactive forms of CET, with more opportunities to engage with peers and reflect on good practice.”

 

The GOC is working with CET providers, including the AOP, to ensure that sufficient provision will be available and accessible for all registrants to be able to meet the new requirements. It will include interactive distance learning and more web-based activities providing interaction with peers for those who struggle to take time out of practice to attend events. The new requirements are on the GOC website at

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