The GOC education review is under way along with the continued education and training consultation.
I have concerns about how a CET review can take place before the education review is finalised, and before what one hopes will be visionary new learning outcomes are established, enabling us to be fit for the future. But it appears that the GOC is adamant that the CET review must be finalised in 2019 so education providers have time to prepare for the next CET/CPD cycle to commence in 2020 following the 2019 transitional year.
Personally, I would have suggested another three-year CET cycle during which consultation could have taken place and the education review concluded. That being said the outcome of both reviews will enable advancement.
We will not be constrained by our current CET system which restricts education to our core competencies. Continued professional development will enable DOs and OOs to advance into areas of specialised interest which must be to the benefit of our patients.
This month sees the official opening of ABDO’s National Resource Centre in Birmingham. The purpose-built centre to provide training for the optical sector will be opened by Andy Street, mayor of West Midlands. The centre is equipped with meeting rooms catering for small groups as well as a lecture theatre seating 165. There are 10 fully equipped consulting rooms as well as a pre-screening room packed with the latest technology and a glazing lab.
The centre will be used for ABDO examinations along with CET/CPD events, Mecs training and OSCEs and an ongoing range of business and professional development events. It is hoped the whole UK optical profession can benefit from the venue which comes at a time when training and upskilling is at the forefront of our agendas.