Does COPE desire to reduce or eliminate corporate support of CE?
No, the mission of COPE is to assist our member state Boards by providing a standardized method by which optometric CE is approved and administered. Encouraging or discouraging corporate support is not a part of the mission. COPE recognizes that industry-subsidized continuing education can be effective and free of commercial bias. The requirement that industry support of COPE approved CE events is only secured through unrestricted educational grants reduces the potential for industry to influence content and delivery. This solution can lower costs and increase the availability of CE for Optometrists while ensuring transparency and content that is free of commercial bias. If managed appropriately, it can enable lifelong learning improve patient care and benefit the public welfare.
