Small groups offered help with CET process

The College of Optometrists has launched a new peer review group programme aimed at helping small groups register with CETOptics to obtain CET points.

The new programme will mean that any new or existing peer review group may apply to the College who will register that group with Vantage on their behalf.

The College will charge a one-off administration fee of £5 plus VAT to each group registering in this way, bringing a saving to the groups involved compared to the annual registration payable fee to Vantage.

It will also provide to each group a generic template and step-by-step instructions on how to submit the CET application form to CETOptics as well as offering telephone help and advice to anyone who needs it. This will significantly simplify the application process.

Optometrist Helen Crofts, the convener of the Peterborough/ Yaxley peer review group, said of the new programme: 'As convener, I currently have to apply to CETOptics for our points every six months so I welcome any scheme that makes this process more straightforward.

'I have been a member of a peer review group since March 2000, and the group members are all very enthusiastic about our meetings.
'We all agree that we benefit enormously from discussing case histories and exchanging ideas.'

The new programme updates the College's nine-year-old scheme which has almost 120 peer review groups registered, with around 100 active at any one time.

A College spokeswoman said: 'Peer review groups provide the opportunity for groups of practitioners to meet in an informal setting and share clinical ideas.

'The College recognises this important learning process and has always supported these groups, particularly through the accreditation of CET under the College-run scheme.'