Become an "Ophthalmic Optician"
Ophthalmic Opticians are Vision Specialists and the FACILITATORS of the FINAL Rx!
The SAO has developed a series of four Two Hour Online Modules to help credentialed OPTICAL PROFESSIONALS add TELEHEALTH to the services they offer the public in an INDEPENDENT OPTICAL OFFICE or in a doctor's office.
In order to earn the designation "OPHTHALMIC OPTICIAN", an optical professional will have learned how to become a FACILITATOR of the FINAL Rx when helping telehealth doctors communicate better with their patients by gathering a patients eye health exam information and verifying the new Rx before creating the eyewear. This service to the doctors and to the patients will allow Independent Opticians to be a stronger force with in the Optical industry and has the potential to more than double the business volume in an independent office.
Optical Professionals who earn this designation of being a registered "Ophthalmic Optician" will have successfully completed the "Visual Assessment Specialist Course", because it is a requirement to be able to use the Registered title "Ophthalmic Optician" and becoming a facilitator of the final Rx.
The official Four Module course titles: (Course Segment #1 is FREE)
# 1 Why the SAO has created the “Visual Assessment Specialist” course
# 2 Why Gathering Patient History is Important
# 3 Reasons behind each part of a complete exam
# 4 How to Communicate Effectively and build TRUST with the Doctor and Patient
*IMPORTANT*
Only advanced credentialed optical professionals qualify to earn the designation "Ophthalmic Optician".
To qualify for membership in the SAO and use the registered title Ophthalmic Optician® a candidate must meet the following three requirements:
1. Have a minimum of 4 years of documented and verifiable professional experience (submitted as a portfolio by the candidate upon application).
2. Have a 2-year Opticianry Associates degree from a NFOS recognized school or school approved by the SAO.
OR
Have a generic degree from an accredited college approved by the SAO Board of Directors and possess at the minimum a basic ABO or NCLE certification, or COA certification, or CPOA certification.
3. Have successfully completed the SAO “Visual Assessment Specialist Course”.
(The SAO reserves the right - and final authority - to consider unique applicants on a case-by-case basis.)
Completion of the Visual Assessment Specialist course, which has four two hour modules, is required to become a registered "OPHTHALMIC OPTICIAN".
Module #1 is FREE and the link to it is found below. Please, review module #1 before applying to become a registered "Ophthalmic Optician".
If you choose to complete Modules #2, #3, and #4 and apply to become a registered "Ophthalmic Optician" there is a fee of $199. The renewal of your registered "Ophthalmic Optician" status is just $59/year. We have a candidate status available if you are a student or working on your necessary credentials.
Step 1/ Before clicking here to access the FREE Module #1, please read the following instructions:
When you arrive at the course, you will be automatically directed to the course announcements page (“Stream”). Please disregard the Stream: click the “Classwork” link at the top middle of your screen.
There are several sections in the "Classwork" page of each module for you to read. Only the official four module course have quizzes. We hope you choose to earn this NEW designation and help telehealth doctors and patients as a SAO "Ophthalmic Optician" and become a FACILITATOR of the FINAL Rx.
If you are ready, Down Load the application to take the VAS course and become designated as a registered "Ophthalmic Optician". (See form below)
(Email us at info@ophthalmicoptician.org or text (512) 657-2020, if you have any questions)
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