THE DIRECTORATE OF OPTOMETRIC CONTINUING EDUCATION AND TRAINING
The professional environment in which optometrists are working is changing rapidly. The introduction of compulsory continuing education and training (CET) by the General Optical Council was designed to ensure that the provision of optometric services are fit for purpose and to assure the public of the continuing competence of practitioners. With its strategic overview of developments in the profession and a membership comprised of key stakeholders, DOCET is in a unique position to build on 20 years of experience and provide continuity at such an important time in the development of optometry.
ON THE RECORD - HAVE YOUR SAY
anne commented: I voted no but the GOC will find his fitness to practice impaired as his records let him down allowing the patient to lie through his teeth. In hindsight it's always easier to see what should have been done, but a good record can at least show the thinking behind the decision and advice given.
An excellent example of how things can go wrong. On 11 August 2009 at 13:54 PM Sharon commented: Had a very similar patient scenario to this recently. But I did do fields, pupil dilation and found a very small retinal tear/detachment in the far periphery that needed laser. Would easily have missed it without dilation. So although DVD is hardhitting, it is very relevant. On 10 August 2009 at 20:54 PM
DOCET has joined forces with the Association of Optometrists to produce an award-winning "legal scenario" on DVD. The dramatized vignette illustrates a series of of events leading to a GOC Fitness to Practice hearing for a community optometrist. Do you think the optometrist's Fitness to Practice was impaired? Vote here and tell us why:
The MCQs, Record Keeping Booklet and a sample Record Card can be found here
DOCET WINS AT THE IVCA AWARDS
DOCET is absolutely delighted to announce that its On the Record DVD produced by Cheerful Scout did brilliantly at the recent IVCA awards, and was successful in four categories:
Internal Interactive Media: Silver
Motivational Training: Bronze
Best Script: Highly Commended
Best Drama: Highly Commended
Around 60 entries are received for each category, making DOCET’s achievement truly exceptional. The awards ceremony was held on 28 March at the Grosvenor Hotel in London, and was attended by Alena Crook, DOCET Project Manager, and Geoff Roberson, DOCET Training Adviser.
Banksy commented:
This just proves that good practitioners can make a mistake, and then get caught out by poor record keeping. Great training material for the whole practice though.
On 18 June 2009 at 17:36 PM
Antelope commented:
Taken literally his "fitness to practice" is now improved not impaired by the experiance and so there is no real point in any penalty, apart from as a deterrent to others. Although an enquiry with the stress it causes, and the damage to a practitioners reputation is deterrent enough. Would the committee find against him? Almost certainly yes. I voted No!
On 16 June 2009 at 16:15 PM
hedgehog commented:
Without the insite of the initial exam this could go either way.Scary stuff. The public can say what they like after the fact with no come back, so unfortunately we have to cover ourselves from start to finish whether we think relevant or not. Passing this on to our new receptionist!
On 13 June 2009 at 17:43 PM
Sarah commented:
There but for the grace of god go many of us! RECORD, RECORD, then RECORD some more. It is such a shame that we have to practice so defensively but such is life in this wonderful litigious society. There are a lot of big "if only" moments in this one, starting from the Px getting the wife to phone instead of doing it himself and going downhill from there. I will be showing my reception staff this one too.
On 09 June 2009 at 22:46 PM
Martin C commented:
Unlucky scenario, but that's what record keeping is for.
On 09 June 2009 at 13:02 PM
Biff commented:
Easy mistake anyone could miss this
On 09 June 2009 at 12:50 PM
Rachel D. commented:
Really difficult to say!
On 09 June 2009 at 12:49 PM