Growing an optometry practice by obtaining certifications

For optometrists looking to further their treatment plans and gain additional skills, there are additional vision care certifications which can be obtained. This can be a great opportunity for new optometrists starting a private practice to differentiate themselves from the competition. Established optometrists can also benefit from these certifications and sharpen their skills. In California for example, a glaucoma certification is available which allows optometrists to treat these conditions in patients over 18 years old. While the requirements can be cumbersome, the certification it is an excellent way to improve skills and treat more patients.  Ultimately, the more patients treated and the wider scope of care you can offer will help to improve practice revenues.  Among the requirements for the certification (§ 1571 Requirements for Glaucoma Certification) as adopted by the California Board of Optometry are the following:

• Maintaining an active optometry license in good standing
• Be certified to use Therapeutic Pharmaceutical Agents (TPA)
• Complete a course of at least 24 hours in diagnosis, pharmacological, treatment and management of glaucoma
• Complete a required case management involving at least 25 patients treated for 12 or more consecutive months. This involves patient evaluation, necessary testing, diagnosis, recognizing glaucoma type, and creating treatment plans, and making referrals to an ophthalmologists as needed. There are a variety of case management treatment options. Among these are:
• Case Management Course
• Grand Rounds Program
• Preceptorship Program

For optometrists who achieve the glaucoma certification, each renewal period will involve 10 hours of glaucoma specific continuing education.