The College’s voluntary CET scheme championed good practice from its initial first pilot in 1996. In 2005, as Continuing Education and Training became compulsory for continued GOC registration, the College handed over administrative responsibility for the scheme.
The College publishes a CET journal, Optometry in Practice, four times a year. The journal, which is sent to all practising UK members, contains around 30 CET points over the course of a year. Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics (OPO) Journal is one of the most specialised optometric journals in the world and is held in high regard internationally. This College journal is published every two months.
The College runs an annual Conference, Optometry Tomorrow, coinciding with its AGM. A two-day conference programme is designed to address the needs of practising optometrists, covering a wide range of topical issues, delivered in lecture and workshop formats. In 2005, delegates could gain up to 15.5 CET points from attending.
The College offers its Members the opportunity to study for Higher Qualifications in a number of specialist areas including: Therapeutics, Ocular Conditions (Glaucoma and Diabetes), Contact Lens Practice, Orthoptics and the Rehabilitation of Visual Impairment.
The College provides a Performance Review scheme for practitioners referred by the GOC’s Investigation Committee. The constructive scheme, which is not part of the disciplinary process at all, aims to support practitioners, to reduce the possibility of further complaints being made against them. There is a charge for non-members to use this service.