The General Optical Council announced a formal consultation on draft amendments to the Continuing Education and
Training (CET) rules this week.
The Council does not propose any major changes to its rules for the next cycle, beginning 1 January 2007.
Two changes are proposed. The first would amend the rules on the length of the 'relevant period' to retain a three-year cycle, as now. Consultation responses confirmed support for this system, which was felt to allow flexibility for career breaks, illness and sabbaticals without detriment to patient safety.
The second amendment concerns the fee charged to CET providers to become 'listed providers', which would increase from £35.00 to £45.00 for the further three-year period of 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2009.
Comments on the proposed changes are invited by 16 March. The Council will be asked to consider making the amendments to the CET Rules at its meeting on 23 March 2006.
Responses to last year's consultation showed that optometrists and dispensing opticians mostly support the current CET arrangements. A number of areas of possible future review emerged. However, many respondents urged that the scheme should run for another cycle before substantial changes are made.
Some recommendations will be incorporated in changes to the guidelines, and do not require a rule change.
These will include some adjustments to the guidelines for allocating points, to ensure that the number of points credited reflect the value of an event. Changes will also be proposed to allow some points to be earned from preparation and presentation of CET.
The draft amendments and responses to the earlier consultation are available on the
GOC website