LOW VISION CERTIFICATION PROCESS

PURPOSE

The Michigan Optometric Association's low vision certification process is designed to assist licensed optometrists enhancetheirexpertise and demonstrate competency in the provision of low vision care. Clinicalexperience, written case studies, and academic proficiency contribute to the certification process.

REQUIREMENTS

The process of certification involves I) application, II) case reports, III) interview and IV) written examination. Certification is a process of self-education. Therefore, it is not necessary to complete all parts of the process at the same time.

1. APPLICATION. Applications are available on the Michigan Optometric Association website. Applicants must be licensed optometrists and members of Michigan and American Optometric Associations. Applicants are also encouraged to be members of the American Optometric Association Vision Rehabilitation Advocacy Network. Information relative to the applicant's educational background, experience, and office instrumentation is requested. Completed applications, along with a non-refundable processing fee of $50 {this does not include subsequent examination fee), should be submitted online or toMichiganOptometricAssociation 530 West Ionia Street, Suite A Lansing, Ml 48933
2. CASE REPORTS
1. Applicants for certification may begin to submit eight (8) case reports after filing an application. Cases presented must reflect patients examined and followed in postgraduate clinical practice or residency.

If an applicant has completed a dedicated low vision residency or the AAO low vision diplomate program, the experience may count for all case report requirements.  The applicant may submit a past case report or paper to share as a topic of discussion for the interview portion of certification.

If the applicant has completed a residency that included part-time low vision care, the resident may count this experience for up to 5 case reports.  The applicant would then submit 3 additional case reports.  Examples of this would include a binocular vision rehab residency or an ocular pathology residency that included consistent low vision training throughout the year. 

2. CASE STUDY PROFILE: In selecting cases on which to report, applicants should keep in mind the definition of legal blindness and include a majority of reports on patients who are, in fact, legally blind. Visual impairment, for purposes of the certification process, should be considered to include patients with best-corrected acuity of 20/70 or less, or a functionally significant visual field loss. The cases should be representative of each of the following low vision populations: Pediatric, career/vocational, geriatric and multiply impaired. No more than two case reports may represent the same primary diagnosis. The following conditions and pathologies are among those suggested for case studies: Macular degeneration, cataracts, ocular complications of diabetes, glaucoma, corneal pathology, optic neuritis or atrophy,albinism,achromatopsia,retinitispigmentosa,trauma,aniridia, peripheral visual field loss/hemianopsia, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, retinopathy of prematurity, etc.
3. CASE REPORT STRUCTURE: It is important to note that explanation is imperative. Explain (a) why you did what you did, (b) what results were expected and (c) why results may have deviated from the expected. Be certain to indicate what charts were used for acuities. Using "M" notation for near acuities is recommended. The AOA practice guideline for Low Vision has been adopted as a standard of care and is used for reference throughout the certification process, including case report review. Case reports may be organized in a "SOAP" format and should include:
1. An abstract of the report.
2. A detailed case history including discussion of the patient's specific goals and functional concerns.
3. Examination of the patient's pathology and diagnosis or diagnoses.
4. Results of visual analysis, including but not limited to best-corrected acuity at distance and near, using standard forms of correction (spectacles, contact lenses) and applicable visual field information.
5. Low vision devices tested - rationale for selection of devices and results of testing.
6. Interpretation of data, discussion of pathology and correlation to results of visual analysis.
7. Recommendations for treatment and basis for them. Correlation with vocational and education concerns include
1. prescription and design of devices and training procedures to assist the patient in adapting to them and;
2. non-optical concerns, counseling, orientation and mobility and other rehabilitation concerns.
8. Follow-up care which may address success in using devices for intended purposes, modifications of devices, adjustments and additional training provided.
4. SAMPLE CASE REPORT: A sample case report must be submitted to the Low Vision Committee for critique prior to the submission of the remaining reports.
5. SUBMISSION OF CASE REPORTS: Case reports will be submitted electronically to the chair of the Low Vision Committee. Receipt of reports will be immediately acknowledged. The chair will forward the reports to a review panel of three certified low vision specialists. Panel members will consult and contact the applicant within 90 days.
6. MENTORSHIP PROGRAM: If an applicant encounters difficulty in obtaining adequate clinical experiences or is unable to complete the required case report profile, he/she may arrange to participate in the mentorship program. A list of certified low vision specialists willing to share expertise and direct exposure to low vision patients may be obtained from the committee chair. An applicant may contact as many mentors as he/she desires.
2. INTERVIEW. Upon approval of case reports, an interview will be scheduled. The interview will include questions and discussion relative to clinical experiences and case reports. Following the interview, an applicant may be recommended for completion of the low vision certification process by examination set by Michigan.
3. EXAMINATION.Anapprovedapplicantwillberequiredto successfullycompletethewritten examinationadministered bythe Michigan College of Optometry. A passing score is at least 75%, and there is an opportunity to retake the exam if needed.  The fee for the examination is set by the college and checks will be issued to FerrisState University, College of Optometry. The examination will be scheduled at a time and location Which is mutually convenient for the applicant and examiner.

CERTIFICATION

Upon successful completion of all parts of the certification process, diplomas of certification will be issued by the Michigan Optometric Association.

1. RENEWAL OF CERTIFICATION:Certification is valid for a five-year period and subject to review by the certification committee. Continuance of certification will be dependent upon contributions to the low vision field by treatment of low vision patients, attendance at Michigan Optometric Association Low Vision Committee meetings, low vision symposia, teaching, publications, lecture presentations and other evidence of continuing competency.

REVOCATION OF CERTIFICATION: Certification may be revoked if the holder resigns from the Michigan Optometric Association or acts in any manner which violates the association's code of ethics or standards of conduct.

Revised: October 2024