Constitution
DOCET is a restricted fund of the College of Optometrists, which adminstrates its activities.
The Health Departments allocate funds to DOCET annually, following a submission of a budget . The funds are made available under section 63 of the Health Services and Public Health Act (1968). Money made available under section 63 may be used by DOCET to finance all forms of CET provided that the subjects addressed are relevant to family health services within the NHS. The Health Departments expect the provision of CET financed by section 63 funds to be directed towards:
- making CET available to every optometrist in the UK in a 'user friendly' form; CET content should assist the profession in meeting the eye care needs of the population more effectively and efficiently
- measuring the effectiveness and validity of CET
- encouraging innovation and experimentation in the way in which CET is delivered to the profession, having regard to the need for cost efficiency and value for money
DOCET's activity is overseen by the DOCET Council, which meets twice a year to set and monitor the strategic direction of DOCET and ensure it is meeting its objectives. The Council consists of representatives from the main UK optical institutions and departments and the Department of Health. The Chief Executive of the College of Optometrists acts as Secretary to the DOCET Council on governance matters.
The DOCET Executive Committee is the sub-committee of DOCET Council responsible for the ongoing monitoring and direction of DOCET activity. The Executive Committee meets approximately six times per year.
The current Chairman of DOCET Council and the DOCET Executive Committee is Sanjay Patel.