CPD under review as OBA releases public consultation paper

By Rhiannon Riches
Communications Manager

 

Optometry Australia supports the Optometry Board of Australia’s proposal to restructure the current CPD standard.

The current CPD registration standard and guidelines have been in place for over three years and are now being reviewed.

The Optometry Board of Australia has released a public consultation paper, Consultation on the proposed registration standard and guidelines: Continuing professional development. The consultation closes on 4 May.

National Professional Services Manager Luke Arundel said Optometry Australia has been advocating to streamline the CPD system for some time, as the annual randomised CPD audit process for members has highlighted to the organisation the complexity of the current system.

‘We are preparing a submission and welcome input from members,’ Luke said.

Members can provide feedback via email to policy@optometry.org.au.

The Optometry Board of Australia has acknowledged it is aware that CPD is evolving beyond the standard face-to-face lecture as the advent of other learning modes such as online platforms begin to take hold. There is also evidence supporting the value of problem-based learning.

The OBA said currently, practitioners’ obligations to achieve the CPD requirements involve a checklist approach to achieving a number of points through completion of various CPD activities.

The annual audit conducted by the OBA has revealed an inclination for some practitioners to only focus on achieving the point value required to meet the CPD requirements with an absence of reflection on the nature of the educational material, as well as whether or not it addresses any of the learning needs of the individual practitioner, and the relevance of the material to that individual’s optometric practice.

With the proposed changes, according to the OBA, practitioners will be required to analyse their type of practice and the changes occurring within the profession.

The OBA is investigating options that move away from the traditional structured point value model to a model where the practitioner reflects on their practice strengths and weaknesses, and in response, identifies relevant CPD activities that match their learning needs to enhance primary eye health service delivery.

Download the public consultation paper. Email feedback to policy@optometry.org.au.

_____________________________