Why we introduced CPD

Before 1 January 2022, the professional learning requirements that GOC registrants had to meet were set out in the Continuing Education and Training (CET) scheme.

We took the decision to move from CET to CPD based on the ways the optical sector was (and still is) changing, and to recognise the diversifying scopes of practice undertaken by optometrists and dispensing opticians. We tested our plans with our registrants, businesses and educationalists, and put our final proposals out to public consultation in 2020.

Our proposals received broad support, although we did incorporate some changes to reflect the feedback we received. CPD is designed to be much more flexible and adaptable to an optical professional’s learning needs than CET was, whilst still allowing them to maintain their core skills alongside developing new ones.We are carrying out this review to help ensure that the current CET scheme evolves to help meet the challenges of the future.