A hunger for learning

There has been confusion over allocation of points and the issue of DO funding remains unresolved. But as the first CET cycle draws to a close, the profession is sanguine about a system aimed at enhancing the reputation of all practitioners. Shannon McKenzie reports

Continuing education and training, states the General Optical Council guidelines, is about the maintenance of up-to-date knowledge and skills for the safe exercise of professional activities. It is, in essence, about sustaining competent practice within the optical professions. A worthwhile pursuit, many would assume.

But while the vast majority of optical practitioners share this view and have eagerly participated in the CET scheme, not all have found it entirely straightforward. During the past three years there has been upset and renegotiation around how many points could be carried from the voluntary scheme to the statutory scheme, and there has been some confusion over double counting of specialist points. And, earlier this year, figures from Vantage revealed that not all GOC registrants had come to grips with the web-based technology used to administer the scheme.