Letters: July 14

A system that needs refining

This is an account of my experience of, and feelings for the CET scheme for dispensing opticians. This letter has been prompted by my assumption that I’d acquired more than enough points until I received my May 2006 statement from Vantage.

I have been gathering CET points since early 2004, mainly through Optometry Today’s medical/anatomy articles. By June 2005 I had gained a total of 37 points – I subsequently learned that this was ‘capped’ at 24 points, for reasons that I am unable to comprehend. Since July 2005 I’d acquired a further 11 points, according to my response letters.

The CET point statement I received in May this year prompted me to ring Vantage – the young lady I spoke to was helpful.  Between us we calculated that I had a total of 32 ‘valid’ points. I have dutifully completed a few more articles since then, in an attempt to achieve the magic 36 points required.

I am aggrieved for a number of reasons. In real terms I have 52 points: