We are just over one month in to the new CPD scheme and I am pleased to report that your responses to the changes in how Optician supports the scheme have been positive.

Perhaps not too surprisingly, where we have offered provider-led distance learning materials where you read an article and answer online multiple choice questions, the response numbers seem to mostly reflect those of the old distance learning CET articles. The main differences are, of course, the move away from specific competencies to more generalised domains and the need for readers to upload (or log) their successful completion of each exercise themselves.

If anything, the number of responses to our first interactive discussion exercises is healthier than was the case for previous distance learning CET exercises. The first certificates of completion of these should be appearing in inboxes of readers now.

Regarding our new interactive case study CPD option, response has been good but I have noticed a pattern emerging at this early stage. Of the cases received so far, I suggest that only two might represent the sorts of challenges that might be met in everyday practice. One of these is an interesting case where a contact lens patient has asked to change to an alternative wearing regime that might be better suited to back-packing around the world. The other is a nice case of sorting out a progressive power lens non-tolerance. I would describe all of the others we have received, excellent as they are and certainly worthy of approval for the interactive CPD point, might be better described as ‘complex’ cases. These include cases such as the identification and management of unusual or rare disorders.

With this in mind, I thought I might take this opportunity to reinforce a point. Cases such as the spec intolerance might not, on the surface, sound quite as sexy as correctly diagnosing a rare disease but, in terms of confirming acumen in decision-making and patient interaction skills, might better reflect the challenges we meet every day and allow the dissemination of the sorts of tips and advice that we all benefit from.

So, don’t be afraid to submit any cases you feel represent you using your skillset to the benefit of a patient or colleague. This might include acting upon a field, OCT or tonometry result. Perhaps you have had a discussion with a staff member or patient to influence a behaviour change that has helped them; or you may have offered advice to a patient, or perhaps their relative, that has helped them in some way. And successful management of grief cases are always worth sharing.

Do not forget, all submissions are treated in confidence and considered by our panel. Personalised feedback is given, even if that is simply a ‘well done!’ Optician will only publish the occasional case and, only then, with the express permission of the author. In most cases, you will be sent a certificate that can be used to log as a provider-led interactive CPD point.

Case Submission

Each case should be sent to opticiancpd@markallengroup.com and should follow the following format:

  • Initial information at presentation
  • Details of the case, assessment and results relevant to the case
  • Some indication of diagnosis, interpretation, analysis or conclusion
  • Indication of management and outcome
  • Evidence of further reading or references are encouraged

Each case should be anonymised and submitted as a word attachment, with any image files or scans as separate attachments. The subject box of your email should clearly be marked as 'CPD INTERACTIVE CASE STUDY'.

Please include the following:

  • Name and GOC number
  • Domain that applies to your case

Feedback and certification will be sent via the same email address once the case has been reviewed. Suitable cases may be considered for publication with the permission of the author.

Domains

Cases will be considered for approval if they concern any of the CPD domains. These are the codes allocated for the different domains and sent to those who have submitted case studies approved by our CPD panel.

  • Professionalism; (C101119)
  • Communication; (C101118)
  • Clinical practice; (C101117)
  • Leadership and accountability; (C101121)
  • Contact lens opticians; (C101122)
  • Therapeutic optometrists; (C101124) 

Any questions on our CPD programme? Email bill.harvey@markallengroup.com.