College looks at its priorities

In its annual report, March 2000, the College sets out its priorities for 1999/2000, which are: - Complete the development of a framework for clinical governance within the profession. - Establish task groups to develop policy and advice in a range of specific service areas to assist local and area optical committees in their discussions with Primary Care Groups, health authorities and health boards (and equivalents in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland). - Establish effective links and communication with all local and area optical committees. - Improve liaison with the General Optical Council and continue to keep it informed of the College's initiatives. - Complete the development of the ECOO European Diploma. - Develop more effective links with government and members of Parliament. - Strive to educate the Government, policy makers and the public about the importance of good eye care and the role that optometrists play in caring for the nation's health. - Continue to work for unity within the profession so that deregulatory pressures can be more effectively resisted, and to benefit the nation's health. - To develop the College CET scheme with an emphasis on raising the quality of training through effective audit. - Prepare guidance for the optical profession on Personal Development Plans. - Encourage the take-up of new higher qualifications and continue to develop new higher qualifications and CPD. - Develop even closer working relationships with the medical colleges and other health care professions. - Complete development of the new PQE part II and administer its trial this summer. The College's AGM is to be held at the New Connaught Rooms, London, at 10.45am on Wednesday May 17.