DOCET aims to boost funding

At DOCET's March 16 committee meeting it was also agreed to restructure the allocation of course funding. A 'comprehensive research and evaluation exercise' will start this year to ensure that funds are being spent as effectively as possible. It is hoped that a show of efficiency will result in a boost for DOCET's hopes for increased government funding. The tenders are for selected regions, and individuals or organisations are invited to write briefs by June, for 2001 courses. Contracts will be awarded by the end of September, with a cap of &\#163;5,000 funding for the new courses. The research and evaluation exercise will include a five-year study of best practice among optometrists.