Following the lapse of the 2010-12 CET cycle, the General Optical Council has revealed that 96 per cent of registrants met their points target by the December 31 2012 deadline.
Statistics showed that 97 per cent of optometrists, 94 per cent of dispensing opticians, 96 per cent of contact lens opticians and 99 per cent of therapeutics specialists gained the minimum points requirements.
Registrants who have not gained the sufficient points are now in shortfall and will not be able to apply to renew their registration for 2013/14 until their target is met. Practitioners in shortfall will receive notification and those who believe their record is inaccurate must write to the registrar by January 18 2013 to log a dispute.
A number of changes have been introduced for the 2013-15 CET cycle. Registrants must obtain at least six points each year and interactive learning will form at least 50 per cent of points. 'The number of points given for a task will reflect the level of interactivity required, as well as the extent to which the activity supports reflective practice,' said the GOC.
? The GOC has launched a recruitment drive for two new council registrant members following the departure of Nick Rumney and Kevin Lewis.
The body said its council was responsible for setting the organisation's strategic direction and holding its executive to account. Brian Coulter, GOC interim chair, said: 'Becoming a GOC council member provides a unique opportunity to shape the future of optical regulation in the UK. We're looking for candidates with a range of experience in the optical sector who will help us in our public protection role.'
Optometrists and dispensing opticians should make their applications by February 4 and successful appointees are expected to take up their posts on April 1 2013.