As usually happens when we enter a new year, a time of hectic festivities quickly gives way to a return to normality and reflection on the year just past. As highlighted in the optical press, 2016 was a very busy year for the sector, and particularly so for ABDO.
As we commence 2017 there is already a flurry of activity within ABDO: membership renewals, preparing for forthcoming optical exhibitions and conferences, the introduction of a new regional structure and National Clinical Committee, the launch of the 2017 ABDO regional CET event programme, as well as attention to the challenges we will face in supporting our members.
Change is on the horizon. The GOC launched its Education Strategic Review in December and this is something that will affect all optical professionals. Education, regardless of the role you fulfil, is the fundamental foundation to ensure that we can deliver eye care services to the best interests of patients. If education is not fit for purpose then students will not be equipped with the knowledge and skills they require to achieve their chosen professional qualification and to gain GOC registration.
With the optical landscape undergoing a period of evolution, it is even more important that we keep pace with changes: technological change, changes in the provision of enhanced services, changes in scope of practise and being open to change within ourselves as we seek to serve our patients better and ensure students are undergoing relevant and stimulating courses of study.
I would therefore urge everyone to feed into the GOC Education Strategic Review – this can be done online via the GOC website before the consultation ends on Thursday, March 16, 2017 – as we have a valuable opportunity to shape our profession for the future.
Fiona Anderson, ABDO president