Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

The CPD programme of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists started in 1996. The initial fears and doubts of CME/CPD have been dispelled and over 80% of eligible participants have signed up to the College's programme. With clinical governance, annual appraisal and revalidation becoming essential ingredients of clinical practice, participation in CPD is no longer optional. It has been the case for some time that registration for CPD is necessary to hold any College post, including that of examiner. This "sanction" is likely to be extended such that, not only registration but accrual of the stipulated number of points will become a prerequisite to holding College posts. In the fullness of time, responsibility for training junior doctors will also be determined by full participation in CPD.

The College has taken on board the views of our membership and the lessons learnt from our first eight years experience with CME/CPD, and implemented a major revision of the CPD programme. An element of 'value' has been added to the points system of scoring CPD activity. Participants will be expected to record in more detail what they have learnt. At the same time, the number of points required per annum has been reduced to 50, the categories consolidated and the cycle extended to a period of five years. Participation in activities related to administration, management, information technology, teaching in training, and reading journal articles, will now be recognised as essential components of personal and professional development.

Continuing Professional Development has been incorporated into the template of Personal Development Plans (PDPs) and all individuals will be expected to tailor their CPD activity to meet the objectives of their PDPs.

For further information on the new CPD Programme please download a copy of the Programme or contact Miss Carol Welch at the College.

Please click here to view the CPD Co-ordinators job description.

If you are a College member and wish to register with the CPD Programme please click here.

If you are already registered and have received your password for the Online CPD Programme please enter your membership number and password in the login box on the right.

If you are not a College member, please contact Miss Carol Welch Please note there is an annual fee for non-College members registered with the Programme.


Page Update: 18 April 2008 (CW)