OD Certification

I just listened/watched the 2 part presentation on the Optometric Board Certification Process as presented by those links presented below and in the previous blog entry ...

(JBCPT Board Certification January 27, 2009 Windows Media file with audio accompanimentPDF file of the presentation JBCPT Board Certification FRAMEWORK Windows Media file with audio accompanimentPDF file of the presentation )

The presentations were well thought out and presented (for the most part) in a logical manner. The arguments for board certification are strong....but as they say, the devil's in the details.

I know I will probably need to listen/watch the presentations again to obtain a better understanding of the process ... but my first impressions are these....

I find the mechanism to just get to the "taking the examination" part of this presentation cumbersome, convoluted.....and overall ... at least at first look... overly burdensome on the individual optometrist.

My perception of what was outlined was that it would require the individual doctor to dedicate hundreds of hours (after you add in all prep time, travel, and other activities involved in the process) to get to the "I'm ready to take the test phase." .... Although the cost of being board certified to the individual OD was not discussed....I imagine it must be a significant sum if the American Optometry Board is to be a self sustaining entity...

I did not see any information about the testing procedure .... so I cannot comment on that.

In Illinois (and most states that have successfully achieved DPA/TPA licensure), the process involved was attainable, credible, defensible and supported the public’s quest for high
quality health care.

The process in Illinois, for example, involved at home preparation, lecture, laboratory and testing which was accomplished with an appropriate amount of effort on the part of the individual optometrist. This did not drag on for 3 years but was accomplished in a matter of 1-2 weeks or so. Yes, the doctor had to dedicate many hours to study and clinical practice, but the end result usually was that he/she could practice optometry at its highest level...this approach was well received by most .... and not overly burdensome either fiscally or time wise...

I have several other questions that weren't answered by the presentations. Including the fact that we need information on the "testing protocol" and, as will happen upon occasion, what are the options for the OD who doesn't make it the first time around?

I am also concerned as an educator that if we do this it may affect how potential optometrists view the profession. It is my understanding that Podiatry is hanging on by a thread because of some of the decisions they have made about their profession....will we be placing ourselves at risk if Board Certification follows such a model as presented?

Optometry is still rated very highly as a profession of choice by numerous sources....but will this certification process hinder or help us in our quest to provide quality care because of its possible affect on attracting quality students?

I have many more questions than answers at this time. I will be at the AOA meeting. I will learn more about certification.

You should also be at the AOA meeting....after all...it is your license we are talking about here. It is your livelihood and profession....Investigate the facts. Show up. Voice your opinion.

Optometry's Joint Board Certification

If you haven't seen this by now...you should take a very careful look so you can give feedback to the appropriate group/s...

Joint Board Certification Project Team



January 27, 2009 JBCPT PresentationsPresented by David Cockrell, O.D. - AOA representative to the Joint Board Certification Project Team



JBCPT Board Certification BACKGROUND - January 27, 2009
Windows Media file with audio accompaniment
PDF file of the presentation



JBCPT Board Certification FRAMEWORK - January 27, 2009
Windows Media file with audio accompaniment
PDF file of the presentation

Chicago Winter Poem

A friend of a friend of mine who is a transplant to Chicago from Alabama sent her this poem. I now it's not about children or disability....but as I sit here writing this and looking out the window...that's covered in snow...well it just made sense to post it here....DM

Chicago Winter Poem
It's winter in Chicago
And the gentle breezes blow
Seventy miles an hour
At twenty-five below.

Oh, how I love Chicago
When the snow's up to your butt Y
ou take a breath of winter
And your nose gets frozen shut.

Yes, the weather here is wonderful
So I guess I'll hang around
I could never leave Chicago'
Cause I'm frozen to the ground!!

Study adds to evidence of safety of mercury and vaccines

... A new study from Italy adds to a mountain of evidence that a mercury-based preservative once used in many vaccines doesn't hurt children, offering more reassurance to parents....

Eye doctors offer advice for watching the Super Bowl

...Two Super Bowl commercials will provide a unique opportunity to screen for amblyopia and other vision problems which make 3D vision impossible. If you can't see the 3D effects, you may have a vision problem, advises the College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD)....

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/eye-doctors-offer-advice-viewers/story.aspx?guid={9C954B4C-E952-4A36-9863-82500CDDBE06}&dist=msr_2