September holds a special place in most people's hearts. Memories mark the month as the start of the new school term, fresh endeavours and uncomfortable collars. It is forever bookmarked as the educational axis of the year.
Many of tomorrow's optometrists are currently claiming their place at university or hastily getting to grips with clearing. The final few pre-regs are being slotted into practice and the 'back to school' eye test promotions have begun.
The introduction of the GOC's three-year timetable for continuing education and training has brought a new September significance for the rest of the profession too. It is about this time of the year, every third year, when CET points are counted and Optician scanned for CET to make up the total. It also marks the right time for the GOC to provide a last-minute call to remind those who have neglected their CET requirement to get their skates on and there are indeed a few.
It's a surprise that such warnings are necessary given the importance the profession puts on education and learning. A soon to be published survey from Johnson & Johnson will show that 90 per cent of eye care professionals say CET gives them confidence in practice and 80 per cent say it fosters innovation. Similar numbers want more onerous CET and more formal help in its completion. It is the patients, ECPs believe, that need some education. A lesson in what is good for their eyes and the benefits of visiting their optometrist. But who will be their teacher?