The Optometry Board of Australia (OBA) has revised registration standard and associated guidelines for continuing professional development to “provide clarity and improved flexibility for optometrists so they may easier meet the requirements”.
The key amendments to the registration standard are:
- incorporating a two-year roll over to meet the requirements to return flexibility available prior to the National Scheme in the profession’s CPD program
- removing the exemption from CPD for new graduates so that they are engaged with their peers and the profession as a whole from the outset of their professional life, and
- clarifying the record keeping requirements for accredited and non-accredited CPD activities to ensure there is clarity and understanding of the options available to optometrists in meeting the requirements.
The Board reviewed the CPD registration standard (and guideline) earlier than the committed 2013 date, as there were significant amendments and issues that need to be clarified for the profession.
“The Board anticipates the amendments to the CPD registration standard to be of particular benefit for rural and remote practitioner increasing the range of activities whereby the face-to-face requirement can be met and allowing them to meet the requirements over a two year period”, said Optometry Board of Australia Chair, Mr Colin Waldron.
The Board has moved to a principle-based approach for what constitutes face to face activities so that these activities must include interaction with peers in real time
The Board has moved to a principle-based approach for what constitutes face to face activities so that these activities must include interaction with peers in real time. Moving to this approach provides clarity and increases the choice for optometrists including incorporating of emerging technologies such as interactive webinars.
Mr Waldron said optometrists who completed more than the minimum 40 points CPD in 2012 can count the extra points towards the 2013 requirements. Optometrists need to complete 80 points over two consecutive registration periods. If an optometrist completed 60 points in 2012, then they need to complete a minimum of 20 points in 2013 to ensure a total of 80 points over the two registration periods of 2012 and 2013. They will then need to complete 60 points again in 2014.
For more information visit www.optometryboard.gov.au
