Nearly a year after it was due to commence, the profession's representatives responsible for negotiating the fee, the Optical Fees Review Committee (OFRC), are waiting for a response from the DoH.
Practitioners have not received an increase in the fee rate, due in April 2003, because the OFRC rejected the DoH's offer, saying the proposed level of funding for CET was 'wholly inadequate' (News, October 31, 2003).
The two sides have now agreed a package of 10 per cent over three years, although the OFRC will not accept it until the issue of CET funding has been ironed out.
It has stated that other professions were being offered more money for continuing education, and optometry deserved the same consideration.
optician understands that the OFRC has reached an agreement with the DoH about funding, and it has written to the Department with its proposals. The profession is now awaiting a response, which is expected to be positive.
Although the two monies are being negotiated together, they would be paid separately. GOS fees will continue to be dependent on the number of tests carried out while a flat rate for CET would be introduced. samantha.daltonrbi.co.uk
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