DOCET ACTIVITY AND EXPENDITURE REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 MARCH 2016

Transcription

1 DOCET ACTIVITY AND EXPENDITURE REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 MARCH Introduction 1.1 The Directorate of Continuing Education and Training (DOCET) is a committee established by The College of Optometrists, at the request of the UK Health Departments. DOCET s aim is to improve the eye health and eye care of the population through the provision of high quality CET for all optometrists registered with the GOC in the UK. Full details of DOCET s history and development are provided for information at Appendix B of this report. 1.2 DOCET s programme of activity is made possible by shared funding from the four UK countries which is in proportion both to the numbers of optometrists within each country and the size of their general populations. This equates to the following approximate percentages: England 83%, Scotland 9%, Wales 6%, Northern Ireland 2%. 1.3 DOCET s provision ensures that all GOC-registered optometrists in all parts of the UK are provided with access to high quality, impartial and comprehensive continuing education and training resources, wherever they live and practice. 1.4 Since the introduction in 2005 of the GOC s mandatory CET scheme for optometrists, the focus of DOCET products has been on maintaining current entry level competence for optometrists, although the aims of DOCET are broad ranging enough to allow for other priorities to be identified. 1.5 DOCET provides optometrists not only with regular newly published CET resources, but also with ongoing access in perpetuity to a comprehensive and expanding bank of past DOCET materials made freely available via the website. 1.6 DOCET s priorities and activities are agreed by all stakeholders who make up the DOCET Council, which meets twice a year. A smaller Executive Committee monitors progress and advises on activity on a more regular basis throughout the year. Page 1 of 22

2 2. Expenditure against allocation for the year 2.1 Table 1 (below) shows a summary of expenditure against priority areas discussed in this report. The total of 580,379 is the sum of the grants made by the four countries for This equates to a total sum of for each of the 14,771 optometrists currently registered with the GOC in the UK (GOC figures as at March 2016). As at 31 March 2016 the whole of the 580,379 has been committed to specific projects. Where projects span more than one financial year they are completed with part of the new year funding. 2.2 The administration category is the administrative fee (mostly staff costs) paid by the programme to The College of Optometrists for managing and running the DOCET programme. Consultancy relates to the cost of training advisers who advise on and help direct the development of DOCET s projects, as well as specialist marketing and IT support. Table 1 In December 2015, following a review of the administrative fee, which had remained unchanged for several years, DOCET Council agreed an increase to the fee for the year ahead, to account for DOCET resourcing requirements and scope of activities. This has been factored into the budgeted amount for administration in the forward plan. DOCET Expenditure Report Activities Priority Ref Allocated Expenditure 31/03/16 Committed Funds CET events All 70,000 11,000 59,000 Distance learning projects Advances in Eyecare 65,000 36,000 29,000 Ageing Eye: Adapting the Routine 16,000 16,000 0 Ageing Eye: Refractive Correction 30,000 30,000 0 Anterior Eye 36,000 36,000 0 Open your Eyes (Opt&GenHealth) 30,000 30,000 0 Redevelopment and updates 15,000 13,000 2,000 DL Projects (inc. AE:Vis Imp; YE: Emb; CLs: 1) 115, ,379 Online development 40,000 40,000 0 Admin & Meetings 85,000 85,000 0 Consultancy 70,000 70,000 0 Print, Mailing, Marcomms 8,000 6,500 1, , , ,879 DOCET Funding Breakdown England 83% 477,599 Scotland 9% 54,000 Wales 6% 36,180 NI 2% 12, ,379 Page 2 of 22

3 2.3 During , an additional 120,000 of funding was approved and received from England and allocation of these funds was included in the year-end report. Table 2 (below) shows a summary of expenditure for this additional funding to the end of Table 2 DOCET Expenditure Report for additional 120,000 funding from Activities Priority Ref Allocated Expenditure 31/03/16 Committed Funds LMS implementation 30,000 30,000 0 Distance learning projects Advances in contact lenses 90,000 57,000 33, ,000 87,000 33,000 See section 4 below for more details of progress on these and other projects. 3. Administrative issues Risk and Governance 3.1 DOCET funds are maintained as a restricted fund of the College of Optometrists and high level risks pertaining to DOCET activity are identified and addressed as part of the College s three-year Strategic Plan. Individual project-related risks and issues are managed and monitored as part of the work of DOCET s Executive Committee, reporting to DOCET Council. DOCET Committees 3.2 Under its Terms of Reference the DOCET Council meets twice yearly whilst the Executive Committee meets approximately six to eight times per year. The requisite elections and nominations have been made during the past year. Strategy, Activity and Priorities was the final year of the General Optical Council's (GOC) mandatory CET cycle, which saw the introduction of 'Enhanced' CET requirements for optometrists including increased interactivity and peer-to-peer learning requirements. The last few months of 2015 and the beginning of 2016 were an extremely busy period for DOCET. The end of the cycle meant that many optometrists needed to complete CET in order to meet the requirements, so DOCET activity heavily focused on managing a significant increase in submissions and queries. Page 3 of 22

4 3.4 The GOC introduced several changes to its 'Principles and Requirements' for the new CET cycle. The new 'Standards of Practice', which replaced the previous Code of Conduct, was made a new competency for CET, replacing the prior 'Professional Conduct' competency. The GOC also sought to further distinguish what qualified as 'interactivity', with the introduction of several new modalities for interactive distance learning CET applications. The communication and responsiveness from the GOC regarding these changes was less than ideal. The GOC also suspended all interactive distance learning approvals from January to late March 2016, which impacted on DOCET's ability to progress with its normal project activity. During this time, DOCET focused on preparations for the new learning management system and continued work on projects that were in progress. 3.5 At its June 2014 meeting, DOCET Council approved a plan for activity for the twoyear period to Spring Although DOCET s funding is only approved year by year, in order to ensure a level of continuity for users and given the length of project development time generally required to produce DOCET materials, it is necessary to plan projects at least a couple of years in advance. The agreed activity plan included a number of new distance learning projects, several of which have been completed or are in varying stages of production. Full details of distance learning projects undertaken in are provided in section 4 of this report. Learning management system development 3.6 In June 2014, DOCET Council approved a proposal to begin work on implementing a new learning management system (LMS) for DOCET. This development was agreed as a priority activity for DOCET to help facilitate an improved service for users of DOCET online distance learning as well as enabling more efficient administration, particularly in light of the additional requirements of interactive CET. The implementation process entailed a full review and re-edit of all DOCET's learning materials, content population and testing of the re-purposed materials on the new system, as well as revision to the administrative and submission reviewing processes, and appropriate funds were allocated to the work required. 3.7 The DOCET LMS launched successfully in March 2016 and the implementation has been delivered to budget. The LMS now gives DOCET greater capability in presenting short sections of multi-media which can be supported with other resources, such as reading lists, references and quick-links. Users can now be prompted to test their learning with knowledge questions or activities at regular intervals. Users can see their own course dashboard and their progress is tracked in a visual way. DOCET can now offer certificates for any or all courses. Overall, the learning materials are now displayed in an intuitive and attractive way with greater use of design, images and colour. This includes the improved layout and presentation of the library of archive Page 4 of 22

5 learning materials, which are now much more visible and accessible for users. DOCET administrators can access and tailor reports on the site metrics and see feedback from users at a glance. The IT provider also produces monthly usage reports on course participation and completion. DOCET assessors can now review, mark and feedback on submissions online. The DOCET team showcased the new system at the College of Optometrists 'Optometry Tomorrow' March 2016 conference. It was very well received with very positive feedback from optometrists about the new bitesized approach to learning. 3.8 For , the ongoing contract, licence and technical support costs associated with the maintenance of the new system have been factored into the planned budget. DOCET also intends to carry out further development work in order to maximise the educational content for users, further improve the users' experience and make full use of the new systems' functionality, and this has also been factored into planned expenditure. Peer Discussion 3.9 DOCET has established a comprehensive bank of peer discussion cases using its existing learning materials. Whilst other areas of activity took priority during , DOCET intends to revisit this area during and more new peer discussion case materials will be created during this time, primarily from creative reuse of existing audio-visual DOCET materials. Details of peer discussion case material production are provided in section 4 of this report. Marketing and Communications 3.10 During , with the approval of DOCET Council, DOCET has continued to work with a specialist marketing and communications adviser, to help promote awareness and usage of DOCET learning materials effectively and consistently. This expert input has greatly improved the nature and frequency of DOCET's communications with optometrists and new channels have been explored, including establishing a DOCET Twitter feed DOCET continues to use alerts, press releases and other forms of communication such as newsletter and magazine articles to promote usage of DOCET's online resources. In , DOCET staff attended two key optometric conferences - the NES Optometry Conference run by NHS Education for Scotland, and Optometry Tomorrow run by the College of Optometrists. Attendance at these events is seen as an important way of raising DOCET s profile amongst optometrists and promoting what DOCET offers DOCET undertook an online survey of optometrists during the winter of , the results of which helped to inform activity such as developing bite-size materials, Page 5 of 22

6 phasing out physical mailings, rebranding the audio series 'Optometric Quarterly' as 'Advances in Eyecare' and promoting the funding available for local CET events. There is further work to be considered in the coming year, including targeting more isolated practitioners, continuing to boost awareness of the new learning portal and of the peer discussion resources available. A new marketing and communication plan, including a focus on engagement with employer groups to raise their awareness of DOCET provision, is being finalised for to help achieve these goals. CET event funding 3.13 A proportion of DOCET s funding is set aside each year to help support locally organised CET events such as conferences, lectures and workshops. DOCET contributed the following sums for locally organised CET events during , shown by region where the events took place: Region No. events supported Total DOCET funds contributed England 12 7,000 Scotland Wales 0 0 N Ireland 8 3,900 Total: 21 11, Overall, allocation of DOCET event funding slowed somewhat in The aforementioned change of CET cycles and the GOC suspension of approvals were contributing factors. DOCET aims to continue its marketing strategy in this area, to increase the awareness of the event funding available and in turn increase the take up and geographical spread of this valuable resource. 4 Evaluation of activities related to priority areas 4.1 DOCET Council s agreed list of priority topics for potential development as audiovisual distance learning projects in the period were as follows (in no particular order): Advances in contact lenses Binocular vision Management of chronic anterior eye problems Optometry and general health and lifestyle issues (smoking, diet, obesity, UV/light, driving) Page 6 of 22

7 The ageing eye The young eye/children s vision Project development activity and publications during reflected this priority list (see below sections 4a Summary and 4b Detailed overview). 4.2 As a result of its activities and project development DOCET was, until the end of the cycle in December 2015, able to offer optometrists around CET points covering all of the required Stage 2 competencies, via the DOCET website. This was in addition to the bank of past training materials made freely available to optometrists via the Archive area of the previous website. 4a) Summary of DOCET projects and other activity Projects completed and issued: Video: The Ageing Eye: Adapting the Routine - Domiciliary Eyecare (June 2015) The Ageing Eye: Refractive Correction for Older Patients (November 2015) Other: Flashes & Floaters (Reissued - May 2015) The Ageing Eye: Physiology & Pathology - Ocular (Reissued - May 2015) The Ageing Eye: Communication and the Older Patient (Reissued - August 2015) The Ageing Eye: Charles Bonnet Syndrome (Reissued - September 2015) Safeguarding Children (Level 2/Core) (Reissued - January 2016) Safeguarding Adults (Level 2/Core) (Reissued - January 2016) The Ageing Eye: Physiology & Pathology - Systemic (Reissued - March 2016) Audio: Advances in Eyecare: Referrals (September 2015) Projects commissioned and/or in development: Advances in Eyecare: Spring 2016 Advances in Eyecare: Summer 2016 Page 7 of 22

8 Open your Eyes: Optometry and General Health Issues Anterior Eye Contact Lenses: Core Skills The Ageing Eye: Visual Impairment The Ageing Eye: Adapting the Routine - Community Practice 4b) Detailed overview of DOCET projects and activity during Audio distance learning projects Advances in Eyecare The long running audio programme 'Optometric Quarterly' was re-branded as 'Advances in Eyecare' during the period. The new title more clearly and accurately reflects the nature of the content of this regular production. The re-branded series launched with a 'Referrals' special edition in September The production of the modules in this audio series is a rolling process and is commissioned with Open Creative Communications. Production is now at an advanced stage for the next edition of the re-branded series, due for publication in May 2016 and focusing on a variety of issues associated with low vision, including comorbidities, dark adaptation, depression, eccentric vision loss and exploring the 'Medicines Use Review' service offered by pharmacists. Each edition of this quarterly audio programme covers a range of topics linked to the priority areas and/or of current interest in the optometric field, as well as a regular quarterly review feature discussing relevant current academic studies and papers, and is available online, via podcast and in CD format. Topic identification for further future editions is underway including planned coverage of OCT angiography, audio feedback technique, a follow up on eccentric viewing, the ocular effects of common recreational drugs, 3D printing applications and the latest techniques for the examination of the peripheral retina. Optometric Quarterly (OQ) 93 Completed in and issued in March 2015, as detailed in the year-end report for This module was available until September 2015 with 1 non-interactive CET point approved by the GOC. Points awarded on successful completion of a set of multiple-choice questions. Page 8 of 22

9 Advances in Eyecare: Referrals Content Summary: DOCET identified the need to help clarify for practitioners the complex picture of the referral pathways and schemes throughout the UK, emphasising professional responsibility to ensure awareness of appropriate local and national protocols. The programme is an in-depth exploration of the referrals process across the UK, looking specifically at how emergency, urgent and routine referrals should be handled according to national guidelines and local protocols; includes case studies and input from expert practitioners and professional bodies across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Progress: This module was completed and issued in September 2015 with 3 interactive CET points approved by the GOC. Points awarded on successful completion of an interactive discussion exercise. Video distance learning projects The 'Ageing Eye' series The DOCET Product: DOCET identified the understanding, assessment and management of the ageing eye as a priority training area for optometrists. Due to an ageing population optometrists are dealing with an increasing number of age-related conditions affecting the eye directly or as part of systemic conditions. To give the best advice and recommendations to a patient, an optometrist needs to understand a wide range of conditions and challenges that face the older population. In order to effectively cover this wide ranging topic area, DOCET proposed treating this as an over-arching umbrella series, divided into two main parts Part 1: Assessment, and Part 2: Management - each part comprising a number of different modules on specific topics. Due to the nature of the topic, there are more modules in Part 1 than in Part 2. The Ageing Eye (Part 1: Assessment) includes the following modules: Physiology & Pathology - Ocular Physiology & Pathology - Systemic Communication and the Older Patient Charles Bonnet Syndrome A Day in the Life Vision and Falls Adapting the Routine: Domiciliary Eyecare Adapting the Routine: Community Practice Page 9 of 22

10 Physiology & Pathology - Ocular This module looks at the effects of ageing on a normal, healthy eye, including aspects of anatomy and visual performance. Completed in and first issued in April 2014, as detailed in the year-end report for This module was reissued in May 2015 with 1 non-interactive CET point approved by the GOC. Points awarded on successful completion of a set of multiple-choice questions. Physiology & Pathology - Systemic This module improves optometrists' understanding of common age-related systemic disease and their impact on the eye. Completed in and first issued in September 2014, as detailed in the year-end report for This module was reissued in March 2016 with 1 non-interactive CET point approved by the GOC. Points awarded on successful completion of a set of multiple-choice questions. Communication and the Older Patient This module provides guidance on the challenges in communication that optometrists may face when dealing with older patients. Completed in and first issued in June 2014, as detailed in the year-end report for This module was reissued in August 2015 with 3 interactive CET points approved by the GOC. Points awarded on successful completion of an interactive discussion exercise. Charles Bonnet Syndrome An introduction to this rare condition in patients with sight loss, including advice on identification, communicating with patients and appropriate management steps. Completed in and first issued in July 2014, as detailed in the year-end report for This module was reissued in September 2015 with 2 interactive CET points approved by the GOC. Points awarded on successful completion of an interactive discussion exercise. A Day in the Life This module improves the understanding of the impact of reduction in vision on the everyday lives of older patients and the role of the optometrist in supporting patients with vision loss. Completed in and issued in November 2014, as detailed in the year-end report for This module was available until December 2015 with 3 interactive CET points approved by the GOC. Points awarded on successful completion of an interactive discussion exercise. Vision and Falls This module explores how visual impairment can be a significant risk factor in falls in older people and the role of the optometrist in their prevention. Completed in and issued in October 2014, as detailed in the year-end report for This Page 10 of 22

11 module was available until December 2015 with 2 interactive CET points approved by the GOC. Points awarded on successful completion of an interactive discussion exercise. Adapting the Routine This module was commissioned with Cheerful Scout. During the process of project development, and following discussion by the Executive Committee, the decision was taken to divide this into two separate modules, one dealing with adaptations for domiciliary eyecare, and the other dealing with adaptations in community high street practice. This was to ensure that the required content could be fully covered in each case. At the point of splitting this programme, the content for the domiciliary eyecare portion was further along in production terms than the content for the community practice portion. A need for some further reworking of the Community section was identified in order to satisfactorily address the required scope. It was therefore decided to focus on completing and releasing the domiciliary module first and to then re-start work on the community practice module as its own entity. Domiciliary Eyecare Content Summary: This module is designed to improve optometrists understanding of how to adapt their routine eye examination when assessing older patients either in a care home setting or in the patient s own home. Includes: Advice on appropriate legal and contractual requirements, and relevant guidance that domiciliary optometrists need to be familiar with How to carry out an effective domiciliary visit including modifications and techniques to consider Communication and technical modifications to consider during an eye examination with an elderly patient How eye examination results may differ for elderly patients Progress: The domiciliary module was completed and issued in June 2015 with 3 interactive CET points approved by the GOC. Points awarded on successful completion of an interactive discussion exercise. Community Practice Content Summary: This module is designed to improve optometrists understanding of how to adapt their routine eye examination when assessing the elderly in a normal high street, community practice, including communication and technical modifications to consider and how eye examination results may differ for older patients. It is designed as a companion piece to the Domiciliary Eyecare programme. Progress: Page 11 of 22

12 The work on this module is due to be re-started during the period, with a planned publication date of early The Ageing Eye (Part 2: Management) includes the following modules: Refractive Correction Visual Impairment (formerly listed as 'Low Vision') Refractive Correction for Older Patients This module was commissioned with Radical Departures. Content Summary: To enable optometrists to understand the options for refractive correction and management of the older patient. Includes the following key areas: Spectacle frames and lenses Contact lenses for presbyopes Intra-ocular lenses Refractive surgery for presbyopes Progress: This module was completed and issued in November 2015 with 3 interactive CET points approved by the GOC. Points awarded on successful completion of an interactive discussion exercise. Visual Impairment This module has been commissioned with Radical Departures. Content Summary: To enable optometrists to understand the options for helping an older patient with various degrees of visual and associated impairment. Includes the following key areas: Review of the causes of visual impairment in the UK, epidemiology, definitions and the process of registration The adapted routine eye examination Review of optical low vision aids and how to prescribe them Review of non-optical aids and advice Review of electronic systems, including adaptation of existing hardware Understanding the role of allied professionals in a multidisciplinary approach to developing a management plan Progress: This module is in the early scoping stage of development, with publication planned for early Open your Eyes: Optometry and General Health Issues This module has been commissioned with Open Creative Communications. The DOCET product: DOCET has identified the understanding of lifestyle and general health issues, and their impact on eye health, as a priority training area. This programme aims to improve Page 12 of 22

13 optometrists understanding of some key health and lifestyle issues that they will commonly encounter in everyday practice, including expert advice on their relevance to eye health and communication about these topics with patients. Content Summary: Smoking highlights known significant dangers, compliance and cessation, ages when people start/get addicted, advice, fear factor re: sight loss UV/light melanomas, screens, radiation from household devices, low energy light bulbs, lighting generally, lack of light deficiency/ rickets (link with nutrition) Diet nutrition, omega 3, vitamin A, vitamin combinations (impacts), touches on obesity, exercise/activity levels. Driving standards required and how to deal with patients with inadequate vision Progress: This project is in the late stages of production, with a planned publication date of June Anterior Eye This module has been commissioned with Radical Departures. The DOCET Product: DOCET has identified the management of patients presenting with chronic or non-sight threatening anterior eye conditions as a priority training area for optometrists. These are conditions where the patient may have longstanding or less serious anterior eye issues that should be able to be dealt with successfully by optometrists in community practice. We aim to improve the quality of advice given to patients presenting with these conditions and reduce unnecessary referrals to secondary care. Where it is appropriate we want to include treatment and management options for independent prescribing optometrists. Content summary: The programme follows a similar format and style as the previously produced DOCET Acute Presentation programme. Anterior Eye will aim to improve optometrists understanding of how to differentiate between non-urgent and sight threatening anterior eye conditions. The sections and conditions covered include the following: Eyelid disorders o Blepharitis o Hordoleum o Chalazion o Molluscum contagiosum o Ectropion o Entropion o Meibomian gland dysfunction Tear film disorders o Dry eye Page 13 of 22

14 Conjunctiva disorders o Infective conjunctivitis o Allergic conjunctivitis (acute/sac/pac/vck) o Sub-conjunctival haemorrhage o Pingueculeam o Pterygium Scleral disorders o Episcleritis Cornea disorders o Corneal abrasions o Recurrent corneal erosions Foreign bodies For each condition the programme will include sections on: o Presentation (signs & symptoms) o Look for (investigation) o Differential diagnosis o Management for all optometrists and IP optometrists o Further clinical management o Red Flag symptoms o References Progress: This project is in the late stages of production with a planned publication date of September The 'Contact Lenses' series The DOCET product: DOCET has identified an update on contact lens best practice as a priority training area for optometrists. Due to rapid developments in technology and design, contact lens products are continually changing, but much of the information and training available to optometrists in this area has a commercial bias of some sort. To give the best advice and recommendations to a patient, an optometrist needs to understand a wide range of lenses and solutions and how to best manage contact lens patients in the context of modern lifestyles. It is intended that the programme content should cover the following key areas: New materials/changes in materials (soft & RGP) Common CL complications found in today s contact lens wearers (e.g. dry eye, allergy) New lens designs for astigmatism/presbyopia Contact lenses for irregular corneas (e.g. keratoconic, refractive surgery) Page 14 of 22

15 Overnight wear Contact lens solutions Orthokeratology Following initial work to scope this project as a single, standalone programme, the decision was taken that, in order to fully and effectively cover this wide ranging topic area, it should be dealt with as a series of several modules, starting with an introductory module exploring the basic routine. Further future modules will then deal with specific types of patients and conditions that may be encountered and these further modules have been discussed at DOCET Council, with the commissioning of the next module planned during Core Skills (formerly listed as 'Module 1: Basic Routine') This module has been commissioned with Cheerful Scout. Content Summary: This module will look at the latest recommended techniques for contact lens assessment and fitting and the aftercare of the patient in order to achieve a successful outcome. It will demonstrate the latest slit lamp camera techniques and use expert input to clearly capture the assessment routines from an optometrist s viewpoint and help demonstrate best practice. Progress: This module was initially planned for publication during the period, however, due to a number of factors arising during this period, including end of CET cycle pressures and the prioritisation of implementing the LMS, production of this module has been somewhat delayed. This module is now in the late stages of production with a planned publication date of October The 'Young Eye' series The DOCET product: DOCET has identified the young eye and children s vision as a priority training area for optometrists. A new training programme has been proposed to address this, to be treated as an umbrella topic, formed of a series of related modules, in a similar way to the Ageing Eye series. The planned series will comprehensively cover aspects of the development and assessment of vision from 0-18 years, as well as paediatric disease and disorders (medical and optometric), paediatric prescribing including dispensing and contact lenses, and relevant issues around special needs including learning disabilities, autism and dyslexia. Progress: Following discussion with the Executive Committee and with approval from DOCET Council, the first module in this series will cover ocular development during the embryology phase up to birth, with the outline of further modules planned out. The start up of this project has been slightly delayed due to resourcing during the change of CET cycle period and the prioritisation of implementing the LMS, so DOCET plans to begin the scoping and commissioning process for the first module during Page 15 of 22

16 Other multimedia resources Peer discussion case file materials The DOCET product: DOCET has produced a series of video and audio case studies for use in peer discussion and peer review, as there is a great and increasing demand for case study materials amongst optometrists. DOCET has so far produced 23 different cases and more cases will be added over time. Content summary: The majority of cases make use of existing material from DOCET programmes, which have been edited to provide short 4-5 minute optometrist/patient consultation scenarios, which may be streamed or downloaded from the DOCET website. Comprehensive downloadable facilitator notes are provided taking a facilitator step-by-step through possible discussion points, learning objectives, reference sources, etc. Patient case records are also provided. Progress: DOCET has populated an initial selection of peer discussion materials on the new LMS and continues to work on building this content. The aim is to revisit the production of new peer discussion case studies during the period. Reissues/updates DOCET periodically reissues past materials where the CET approval has expired and offers CET points for these programmes once again. Below is a list of programmes that were reissued during : Flashes & Floaters The Ageing Eye: Physiology & Pathology - Ocular The Ageing Eye: Communication and the Older Patient The Ageing Eye: Charles Bonnet Syndrome Safeguarding Children (Level 2/Core) Safeguarding Adults (Level 2/Core) The Ageing Eye: Physiology & Pathology - Systemic Other E-learning Safeguarding Children and Safeguarding Adults (non-interactive CET) DOCET continues to offer Level 2 safeguarding for children and vulnerable adults training modules which are in line with the Optical Confederation guidance. The safeguarding training modules were prioritised in the launch of the new LMS, to ensure consistent provision of this valuable training for optometrists. Page 16 of 22

17 During , DOCET Council approved a proposal from the College of Optometrists, in response to an urgent need identified, whereby the College purchased sufficient licences to enable provision of the two safeguarding modules for all pre-registration trainees, through the College website. Completion of safeguarding training is normally an essential requirement for optometrists to be able join the NHS performers list and was previously only available to fully qualified optometrists through DOCET post qualification. This has caused many newly qualified optometrists a delay in their being able to practice unsupervised, unless their employer or local area has been able to provide suitable training. DOCET Council approved this provision as a positive development which will mean that all trainees, regardless of where in the UK they are located or which employer they work for, can apply for entry onto the NHS performer list before taking the OSCE, enabling them to undertake NHS practice immediately after qualifying. Once they pass the OSCE pre-registrants will lose access to the training through the College and at that point they will access the training through DOCET in the normal way, in line with all other qualified optometrists. Page 17 of 22

18 Appendix A Summary of DOCET projects and other activity in preceding years and Projects completed and issued: Video: The Ageing Eye (Part 1: Assessment) Communication and the Older Patient (June 2014) The Ageing Eye (Part 1: Assessment) Charles Bonnet Syndrome (July 2014) The Ageing Eye (Part 1: Assessment) Physiology and Pathology Systemic (Sept 2014) The Ageing Eye (Part 1: Assessment) Vision and Falls (October 2014) The Ageing Eye (Part 1: Assessment) A day in the life (November 2014) Safeguarding Children and Safeguarding Adults fully updated Level 2 modules (Jan/Mar 2015) Other: Vision in the Real World (Visual task analysis) Reissued (September 2014) See More: Dementia and optometry Reissued (November 2014) Optometry and Ethnicity Reissued (February 2015) Binocular Vision Reissue (including new management section) (Feb 2015) Peer discussion case materials New cases published on acute presentation, flashes & floaters, and dementia Audio: OQ90(June 2014) inc: Dua s layer the sixth corneal layer, advances in fields assessments, and ophthalmic agents in cosmetics OQ91 (September 2014) inc: avoiding problems of anisometropia with intraocular lenses, hazards of short wavelength, and dermatological considerations in optometry. OQ92 (December 2014) inc: Retinal influence on circadian rhythms, an update on the impact of diabetes, and developing techniques in diabetes screening and management. OQ93(March 2015) inc: in-practice DNA screening, digital eye strain, and developments in cinema technology for visually impaired audiences Each edition of OQ also includes a review of current academic journal articles. Projects commissioned and/or in development: The Ageing Eye (Part 1: Assessment) Adapting the Routine: Domiciliary eyecare Page 18 of 22

19 The Ageing Eye (Part 1: Assessment) Adapting the Routine: Community practice The Ageing Eye (Part 2: Management) Refractive Correction Open your eyes: a closer look at common ocular hazards and health issues Anterior eye (companion programme to the previous publication Acute Presentation ) Advances in contact lenses (introductory module) Optometric Quarterly issue 94 (Referrals special edition) Peer discussion case materials - new cases planned on topics including the ageing eye, binocular vision, optometry and ethnicity Projects completed and issued: Video: Vision in the Real World: Visual Task Analysis (April 2013) Clinical Decision Making (May 2013) Flashes & Floaters (September 2013) Peer to Peer: Facilitation skills (October 2013) Acute Presentation (November 2013) The Ageing Eye (Part 1: Assessment) Module 1: Physiology & Pathology Ocular (April 2014) Other: Glaucoma reissue (July 2013) Developing Clinical Skills reissue (October 2013) Peer discussion case studies (first set 14 cases) (October 2013) Audio: OQ86 (June 2013) inc: treating diabetic maculopathy with Lucentis, Child Vision Screening, optometric ipad app review OQ87 (September 2013) inc: epiretinal membrane, ocular side effects of Tamoxifen, AREDS2 (age related eye disease study) OQ88 (December 2013) inc: retinal densitometry, fundus autofluorescence, measuring visual acuity OQ89 (March 2014) inc: fluorescein use in practice, pre-school eye health assessment, global blindness research Each edition of OQ also includes a review of current academic journals. Projects commissioned and/or in development: The Ageing Eye (Part 1: Assessment) Module 2: Physiology & Pathology - Systemic Page 19 of 22

20 The Ageing Eye (Part 1: Assessment) Module 3: Challenges in communication The Ageing Eye (Part 1: Assessment) Module 4: Vision in everyday life A day in the life... Optometric Quarterly edition 90 and further future editions Page 20 of 22

21 DOCET history Appendix B The Directorate of Optometric Continuing Education and Training (DOCET) came into being in 1989 following discussion between the Department of Health and the then British College of Optometrists, over proposals for the administration of funds that had been earmarked for postgraduate education and training within the General Ophthalmic Service. Why was DOCET required? At the time of DOCET s establishment the provision and quality of continuing education and training for optometrists was perceived to be inconsistent across the UK, and CET was not yet compulsory (the GOC s mandatory CET scheme for registered optometrists came into force in 2005). In the College of Optometrists 1987 Annual Report, it is stated that the College s Council (then its Governing Body) saw it as an ideal that every Fellow and Member should complete a requirement in terms of continuing education as a condition of College membership, accepting that this ideal is not immediately attainable. In the same Report there is a reminder that the College had taken over from the now defunct JAB (Joint Assessment Board) the arrangements for Department of Health and Social Security (DHSS) 'Refresher Courses' although the amount was apparently limited and only 12 such courses were held during the year. In a letter and proposal for the establishment of DOCET, sent to the College in April 1989, the DH stated that existing arrangements for the provision of CET, admirable as they are in very many ways, are uncoordinated and made piecemeal and so cannot on their own be expected to achieve the essential aims. Those aims as set out in the proposal correspond closely to those still set out in DOCET s constitution today. Establishment of DOCET In the College's 1989 Annual Report it was announced that the Department of Health had indicated that it would make available the sum of 100K for Continuing Education in England and had expressed the hope that the College would be able to play a greater part in planning how this money should be spent and its disbursement by identifying areas of particular need, ensuring that Continuing Education reaches all practitioners, and examining different delivery methods. The report expressed the hope that it would be possible to include Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland in the plans. In its April 1989 letter and proposal to the College, the Department of Health noted we have concluded that it would be desirable for such funding to be coordinated and channelled through one central body. It seems to us convenient that this should be set up under the auspices of the British College of Optometrists. The proposal went on to say that funds made available under Section 63 should be used by DOCET to finance all forms of CET provided that the topics covered are relevant to primary health care services within the NHS. Page 21 of 22

22 Notes of a meeting held between the DH and the College on 27 September 1989 to follow up on the proposal referred to above, which had been circulated to interested bodies, state that the DH received responses from the AOP, FODO and ABDO, who had all asked for parity of representation with the College on DOCET. It was agreed at the meeting on 27 September that the College would have 4 representatives, and the AOP and FODO would have 2 representatives each, and that ABDO and BUCO should be invited as observers. At the meeting it was agreed that the responsibility of running DOCET and continuing education for the profession was being delegated by the Department to the College and that DOCET would be an advisory and supervisory body. It was noted that the Department hopes that the establishment of DOCET will assist the College in meeting the needs of optometrists for CET. The meeting also suggested a draft constitution (terms of reference) for DOCET. The establishment of DOCET at the request of the Department of Health was announced in the College s 1990 Annual Report as coming into operation on 1 April 1990 with the purpose of coordinating and administering all aspects of continuing education and training for the profession. It was also announced that the Departments of Health in Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland had agreed to contribute to the DOCET budget to cover the costs of the continuing education programme for optometrists resident in those countries. The first DOCET committee was comprised of four members of the College's CET Working Party together with representatives from the AOP, FODO and BUCO (now the OSC) plus representatives of the Departments of Health in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland. DOCET's Terms of Reference are to ensure that funds developed under section 63 of the Act are used towards maintaining and improving the quality of services optometrists provide to the public, both within and outside general optometric services; ensuring that optometrists keep up to date with technological and scientific advances relevant to their services and to the public's needs; and assisting optometrists in acquiring the additional skills necessary to the development of eye care services. DOCET development DOCET s constitution and operation was reviewed in 1997 and again in 2010 with a view to ensuring that its aims and terms of reference remained current and valid. However its core aims and membership have remained essentially the same from its establishment to the present day. Through the meetings of DOCET Council and the work of the Executive Committee, training advisers and administrative staff, DOCET has sought to ensure that its activities respond to the changing needs of optometrists practicing in the UK and that it maintains the highest standards of quality, impartiality and relevance in the CET it provides or supports. Page 22 of 22