The College of Optometrists

I'm newly qualified OO and was flicking through OT magazine trying to understand how I get CET points. Can anyone give me some pointers as to how to go about/what is the best way to get CET points? I'm keen to get started as I don't want to stop learning or get complacent! I'd like to do further training in contact lenses and diabetes/glaucoma, so are there any courses etc that are good to attend?

Also, are newly qualifieds required to get the 36 points before the 2006 deadline like the rest of you?!?! Hope not...

some articles in OT magazine have multiple choice questions, so you can start getting "free" cet this way. I think there is one article in each issue worth 2 points, so that alone should be enough to get the required amount.

If you're a college member, Optometry in Practice (quarterly college journal) also has multiple choice CET articles, and you can get loads of points this way too.

Both of these allow you to submit answers online, so you don't even have to buy a stamp!

As for courses etc. there are always some advertised in OT, Institute of Optometry courses for example.

As for the second part of your question, (from cetoptics.com):

PART 4

CET POINTS

Requirement to obtain general CET points

(2) In respect of the initial relevant period, the required number of general CET points is the number equivalent to—

(a) where the registrant’s name is in the register on 30th June 2005, two multiplied by the number of whole months in the initial relevant period during which he is registered; and

(b) where his name is entered in the register on or after 1st July 2005, the number of whole months in the initial relevant period during which he is registered.

In respect of each subsequent relevant period, the required number of general CET points is the number equivalent to the number of whole months in the relevant period during which he is registered.

So basically, I think you need a point for each full month you have been on the register at the end of 2006, but perhaps someone would confirm this.

Lisa

Your LOC will organise CET events that are free to attend ours is really good but very badly attended. I much prefer pitching up to an after work lecture and getting my CET that way I have already got my quota and really enjoyed the lectures. We should all try and support our LOC's. Where do you live?

The Annual College Conference, Optometry Tomorrow, offers CET Credit Points.

The lecture/workshop programme for Optometry Tomorrow 2006 is currently being compiled, however I can tell you that we expect the event to carry up to 12.5 CET Points.

Please visit www.optometrytomorrow.com for further information.

Regards

Richard Gott

Marketing Manager

College of Optometrists

Thanks everyone. Feel that I'm scrambling to find my feet in the profession, no-one really points you in the right direction!

Nicola - I live in north London.

Try the LOC website for north london it will tell you of all future LOC cet events and probably allow you to book them on line, ours takes a £10.00 deposit but you get it refunded.

Richard,

12.5 CET is rather good. Is that all in one day?

I assume not then

Jane

Apologies for replying late.

12.5 Points will be available over the two days.

Regards

Richard Gott

Marketing Manager

CET Optometry EMAIL:cpd@cetoptometry.com 36 CET CREDITS (june - november) 2006 36 CET CREDITS (february - july) 2007 pending OCULAR DISEASE - VISUAL RECOGNITION & INTERPRETATION OF CLINICAL SIGNS ALSO MCQs in OCULAR DISEASE (CPD) QUITE DIFFICULT! - THERE'S NO TEXT SO THIS TESTS PRE-EXISTING KNOWLEDGE NOT THE ABILITY TO EXTRACT ANSWERS CONTAINED IN TEXT. To view www.ibackup.com username:optometry password:cet2006 Written by experienced college examiner and ex-assessor.

LOC's give very good evenings - so yes, don't feel shy to get involved there. LOC is also handy to meet people, get contacts and even land a new job, if you fancy. They are very informal and jolly friendly. For myself, these 'day trip' CET gatherings (such as 'learn all about therapeutics in a day') tend to be pricy - and I am not sure what you can learn in only one day. Its hardly going to be in any depth. For that money - you could buy the nook and learn it much better. After all, to learn something well - you don't just want CET points - you have got to read the book. There are many courses and experts out there all ready to grab your hard earned money. Be cautious! I, mysself, prefer learning with others whom I know : so its IOO for me etc. They really helped me when I started out!

Also = why not phone the college library and tell Jan, our wonderful librarian that you want to learn -say- binocular vision : then she will send you all the books you need on loan,

good luck - steve

Could you please tell me on how I can I join/inform the necessary people that I want to be notified of meeting for north London-is it via the AOP? And also how can I ask the local ophthalmologist to contact me regarding any talks they plan to have-do I have to contact my PCT for that?

Many thanks

Phone the AOP and ask for the phone number of the LOC secretary in your area. The secretary will have all the details. The LOC's also advertise in the Optometry Today, the LOC's are great and cost very little to join. Local ophthalmologists can be contacted via their secretaries = phone the Eye Dept and take it from there - they are usually only to happy to help. The PCT's (in my humble experience) just go round in circles! = steve

Thanks Stephen for promt reply, I shall get onto them about this matter.