Guide on enhanced CET cycle produced

A guidance booklet providing insight into the 2016–18 CET cycle has been published by the General Optical Council (GOC).

The document explains changes to the cycle, including the introduction of the new Standards of Practice competency for optometrists and dispensing opticians which comes into force with the regulator's new Standards of Practice on 1 April.

Acting head of education and standards at the GOC, Marcus Dye said: "This guide is intended to help registrants get the most out of their CET, and I encourage all registrants to use this booklet to ensure that they maintain and develop their skills and knowledge.

"We have taken onboard feedback from registrants to make some aspects of MyCET clearer, and have included further guidance on how registrants can apply to provide peer review sessions through the system.”

Mr Dye added: "I’d particularly like to encourage registrants to make use of the personal development plans to plan their professional development and complete reflection statements as a way of considering how they can apply their CET in practice."

As part of the three-year CET cycle, registrants must obtain a minimum of 36 CET points, as well as complete a mandatory peer review for optometrists and contact lens opticians. All registrants are required to meet the core competencies set out for their practitioner type.

The booklet has been emailed to all registrants and can also be found on the GOC website.