More than 100 optometrists along with other volunteers from across the profession have agreed to participate in the pilot of the College of Optometrists' continuing professional development (CPD) scheme which began on July 20.
According to the College, the CPD scheme will offer a place for optometrists to manage their ongoing development and record the CPD which they have undertaken, as well as offering support and guidance.
CPD will differ from CET, which the College reports is about maintaining competency, while CPD will 'build on this platform reflecting the development of an individual as a professional' (News 12.09.08).
The pilot will allow volunteers to trial the CPD website while it is still under development to evaluate its usability. The pilot group will give feedback on the site's functionality as well as appearance and ease of use. The group includes computer literate volunteers along with those with less IT experience.
Commenting on the pilot, Fiona Nixon, director of professional services at the College, said: 'The CPD website has been under development for the last six months and during this time we have benefited from extensive input from a wide variety of stakeholders across the profession. The input of the pilot group is crucial in determining the direction of future development work, both short and long term.'
? Anybody with queries regarding the pilot should email cpdonline@college-optometrists.org or telephone 020 7839 6000.