Virtual Lectures FAQs
How do I get my CET points for completing Virtual Lectures?
You need to complete the multiple choice test at the end of the lecture. After successfully completing the test you will be able to enter your details and submit your results to us. You can do that over the internet, by post or by fax. You must submit details before the deadline printed on the front of the CD. Make sure you give us the correct GOC number and your surname as it appears on the GOC register.
What sort of computer do I need for Virtual Lectures?
Virtual Lectures work on most Microsoft Windows and Apple Macintosh computers (see below for minimum specifications). Your computer will also need a CD or DVD drive and a sound card and speakers or headphones to hear the lecture. The CD should start automatically when inserted into the computer’s CD drive so you don’t have to be a computer expert to use it.
Minimum specifications:
Windows- Win98 or later, Pentium III processor, 128MB RAM
Apple Mac- OS 10.1.5 or later, G3 processor, 128MB RAM
Virtual lectures can be made to play on older computers by copying the lecture to the hard drive first.
When can I join Virtual Lectures?
Virtual Lectures is a rolling programme so you can subscribe any time you like. The normal subscription length is 12 months. You can pay annually or by quarterly direct debit. Alternatively you can purchase Virtual Lectures singly from our Library
How do I get to the Multiple Choice Test?
When you reach the end of the lecture, the test will start automatically. There is a shortcut from the main menu but we recommend you view the lecture first.
How many CET points do I get for each lecture?
Virtual Lectures are approved by the General Optical Council, and you get 2 CET points for watching the lecture and successfully completing the test. You can have as many goes at the test as you like but you must submit your results to us before the deadline.
Do I have to get all the test questions correct to get CET points?
You need to score a minimum of 66% (8/12) to pass the test. Because this is a learning process, you can try again as many times as you like. The help function built into the test is there to help you understand the key issues and pass the test.
When do I receive the correct answers?
On passing the test you will be able to review which answers you got wrong and see an explanation of each answer. We no longer send out complete lists of the answers every month.
How do I know you have received my results?
When you have passed the quiz you will be able to enter your details and save and print a CET completion certificate. If you choose to submit your results via the internet, you will receive confirmation on screen. We no longer send an email confirmation. Details of your participation will appear in your account at www.CEToptics.com within 10 working days (2 weeks). If you haven’t already registered at www.CEToptics.com you should do so now. We advise you to keep a copy of the CET completion certificate for every lecture you complete as proof of completion in case of query.
Is there a deadline for submission of the test results?
The deadline for every Virtual Lecture is clearly printed on the front of each CD and on the lecture menu page. The normal deadline is two months from the date that the lecture was first released. We accept submissions by internet and fax until 23:59 on the day of the deadline and submissions by post carrying a post mark of the deadline date or earlier.
I submitted results but my CET points haven’t appeared on the www.cetoptics.com website yet.
Your points should appear in your account at www.cetoptics.com within 10 working days (2 weeks) of the date you submitted your results. We may not be able to submit details if the GOC number or Surname you have given us is incorrect. If your points have not appeared within 10 days of the deadline, please contact us directly. We may ask you for proof that you completed the Virtual Lecture.
I have no internet connection or printer on my laptop, can I still submit results?
Yes, after completing the multiple choice test, choose the option to save you results. This will save a copy of your certificate to your hard drive in a folder called “Replay Learning”. You can print out that file at a later date or attach it to an email to info@replaylearning.com. If you never have access to a printer or internet connection, we can give you a printed reply slip on request.
I want to submit feedback about the lecture. How do I do that?
We like to receive feedback. Many of the features built in to Virtual Lectures are there because subscribers asked for them. Your feedback also helps us choose lecture topics for the future. You can submit feedback using the feedback link on the main menu or exit page. Remember to include your name and email address if you want us to reply.
Can I ask the speaker a question?
Our website (www.replaylearning.com) has a discussion forum where you can post questions and comments on any aspect of Virtual Lectures or conferences. We will arrange for the speaker to reply to comments posted on the discussion board where appropriate. There is a link to the discussion board on the main menu page of every Virtual Lecture.
Can I save my position in a Virtual Lecture if I’m interrupted?
To stop for a short time without shutting down the program, just click the pause button with your mouse pointer. If you need to stop for longer, click the stop button and then choose the option to save your place. You can close the program and even shut your computer down. The next time you start the lecture on that computer, you will be asked if you want to start from the saved position.
Can I fast forward or jump to a specific point in a lecture?
Use the chapter list below the video window to move backwards and forwards to specific a point within the lecture. Click and hold the fast wind buttons or drag the slider bar under the slide window to move backwards and forwards within the lecture.
How can I find out what lectures are planned for the future?
A list of future lectures for each subscription programme can be found on our website here:
Can other people get CET points using my CD?
No, you have to be a paying subscriber to be able to claim CET points using Virtual Lectures. Contact us to ask about offers for multiple subscriptions at the same address/company.
Can I claim tax back on Virtual Lectures?
Because CET is now a condition of continued registration it should be possible for all UK optometrists and dispensing opticians to claim income tax relief on the subscription cost. This should be claimed back through your tax return form. Value added tax is charged on all UK subscriptions. We do not charge VAT on subscriptions posted outside the UK. We issue a VAT receipt or VAT schedule to enable VAT registered companies to claim the VAT back.
Can I get any help paying for Virtual Lectures?
The Department of Health has agreed to pay a compulsory CET fee to all optometrists who do NHS eye examinations. This payment will be made in April each year to all NHS contractors. If you are an employee, it is likely that your employer will receive the payment on your behalf. The fee from April 2006 is £425. Some employers provide Virtual Lectures to all their employees as part of their employment package.
Are Virtual Lectures just for optometrists?
We produce separate Virtual Lectures programmes for Optometrists, Dispensing Opticians and Contact Lens Opticians. So whatever your mode of practice we have something for you. Find out more in the Virtual Lectures section of our website.
How do I connect my dial-up internet connection when submitting results online?
You can set your dial-up settings to "dial automatically". If you choose this option, Virtual Lectures will dial your connection when you click the button "submit online". Alternatively, when you are ready to dial your connection, press <Ctrl> and <Esc> on your keyboard together to launch the start menu. You can connect your dial-up connection manually from there.
Where are my Virtual Lectures certificates saved?
If you choose to save (or print and save) your certificate before you submit your results, you will be asked to choose where to save the certificate on your computer. You should ensure that you have permission to save new documents in the folder you select. The certificates are named after the month that the CD was released. There may be more than one certificate if you saved it more than once or if more than one person uses the same computer to do Virtual Lectures.
You can email, fax or post a copy of the certificate to us if you find we didn't receive your results the first time.
When I try to play my Virtual Lecture I get an error message saying ' Director Player Error - Script Error'
If you receive an error message like this it means that there is another programme on your computer which is stopping Virtual Lectures from working. If you have used Virtual Lectures before without any problem then it is likely to be something you have added to the computer recently. If possible you should uninstall the new software and try the lecture again.
The most common problem is caused by mobile phone software. If you have this installed on your computer it may prevent your Virtual Lecture from running.
Are Virtual Lectures compatible with Windows Vista?
Yes, Virtual Lectures will run directly from the CD in Windows Vista. You may receive a prompt when you first insert the CD which will ask you to allow the programme to run. You should select 'allow'.
My points do not appear in My Account at www.replaylearning.com
We are aware of an issue with some accounts which means not all points earned through Virtual Lectures appear in the account. Points will still be rewarded to you account at www.cetoptics.com. We advise you to check your account at CET Optics regularly and inform us of any points you are missing. Remember it can take up to ten days after completing a Virtual Lecture for you points to appear on CET Optics.
