Board Certification:
Where Do We Go From Here?

   Optometry is a fluid profession-it has continually evolved to become what it is today.  Most of us had a few biology courses somewhere along the way, and it should be obvious to us of all people that the opposite of growth is decline and death.  There have been several major events that changed the face of Texas optometry in the past to keep it moving forward:  diagnostic privileges, becoming Medicare providers, therapeutic privileges, contact lens bill, glaucoma privileges, and the Eyecare Savings Bill.  Now we add Board Certification to that list.

   At the time of each, there were very vocal critics who were convinced that one or more of these changes would ruin our profession.  They strongly believed that the "elitist" leadership of both the AOA and state affiliate associations would ruin optometry forever, and that optometrists should remain true to their roots.

   I cannot imagine practicing without being able to take care of my patients' medical eye care needs as well as their vision needs.  I long for the day when we can treat our patients completely and independently, up to the point they need major ocular surgery. 

   I am grateful for the ODs who had the foresight to make changes to the profession that, in hindsight, were absolutely critical to the evolution of optometry.  Otherwise, by now the "drugless profession" would be nothing more than refractionists in corporate-owned opticals. 

   With each advance in scope, the TOA offered review courses to help our members get through any examinations that were required.  In recent years when HIPAA was at the forefront of all our worries, the TOA planned programs to ensure our members had all the tools they needed to comply with the new federal legislation. 

   The TOA is acutely aware that the two of the biggest arguments against BC were the cost of attaining it and then actually taking the test.  It has even been insinuated that TOA and other entities supported Board Certification simply so they could make more money. 

   In response, I will be appointing a task force to develop a program for TOA members that will allow them to have a comprehensive review before the certification exam at a significant cost savings compared to non-members.  While we won't be able to roll out all the details until we see the final timeline set out after the formation of the American Board of Optometry, we are setting the wheels in motion so that we will be prepared to help TOA members be among the first in the country to receive their Board Certification.  We will remain vigilant as the process unfolds over the next year or two and strive to keep everyone updated. 

   Over the years, I've heard doctors say that they really don't see a benefit to being a TOA member.  In an effort to draw more people in, TOA has not made as great a distinction between member benefits and the services that non-members ODs can access. 

   In this instance, however, I feel strongly that since 82% of TOA members polled in focus groups supported Board Certification, they should get the greatest benefit from any program the TOA can offer. 

   But don't forget that there are many other reasons to support the TOA, regardless of what your opinion was on Board Certification.  Two months ago, TOA volunteers killed a bill that would have placed three ophthalmologists on our optometry board.  Governor Perry signed a bill a few weeks ago that will allow ODs to sell contact lenses with therapeutic medications embedded in them.  Without this legislation, these lenses would have been available only through a pharmacy, not your practice. 

   I personally wrote a letter on behalf of the TOA to support increasing the threshold for the state franchise tax from $300,000 to $1,000,000.  And the TOA continues to work to expand our prescriptive authority.  We didn't make it this time, but we will continue to try.

   Board Certification wasn't Texas' idea.  It was a distraction during a legislative session that we just didn't need.  However, our Board, Officers, Volunteers, and Staff gracefully took one more task in stride and handled both with the intelligence and the dignity that make me proud to be part of this Association.

   I am even more proud that one of our own Delegates wrote the amendment to allow five points for every year in practice instead of only three as in the initial version.  This was the only motion in the House that passed unanimously, thanks to the work of Texas and four other states.  If Board Certification was going to pass, we wanted it to be as easy for our members to obtain their initial 150 points as possible, and worked to make it happen.

   My pledge to our members now is to help Texas OD's who wish to do so move into the medical model and remain in the "new" healthcare system, whatever it becomes.  The TOA started last fall with a small group medical seminar that we hope to continue in the future.

   We will continue to fight to maintain our standard of practice as we continue to push forward.   Because the Texas Optometric Association truly is  "Doctors of Optometry working together to advance excellence in eye care for every Texan." 
 

Key Points:

• Board Certification will be a VOLUNTARY process.
• Certification differs from state licensure and shows ongoing competency while state licensure indicates entry level competency.
• All CE hours gained at TOA CE events and other CE events will count toward certification for those who elect to apply for certification.
• There will be several routes to reach certification for those who elect to apply for certification.
• The model approved calls for 150 points be attained within three (3) years of application for certification.  The points may be gained via residency, fellowships, continuing education, distance learning courses, and other CE.  Points are also given for five (5) points per year of active licensure for up to 150 points for those who apply for board certification within the first three (3) years from the date on which the American Board of Optometry accepts applications.
• After certification, the model calls for maintenance of certification and for completion of a board certified examination weighted toward your areas of interest.  Other board certified medical specialties report passage rates of 97 to 98% on these exams.
• Board certification will be conferred for 10 years.
• The TOA will be providing informational sessions on certification as they are developed.