Question: What causes retinal detachment and what is the success ratio for repair?

Answer: Retinal detachment is considered an ocular emergency that requires immediate medical attention and treatment by a retinal surgeon.

Detachments occur when there is unusual traction on the retina by the vitreous gel in the posterior part of the eye. Over many years, the vitreous gradually becomes thinner and more likely to separate from the retina. This is known as a posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) and is not necessarily associated with a retinal detachment.

Fortunately, retinal detachments do not occur frequently, but when they happen, immediate attention is required. It is most common in middle age and the elderly, and associated with people who are very nearsighted or who have undergone eye surgery or have had a serious eye injury. There are also types of retinal detachments that occur when fluid collects underneath the layers of the retina. Most often the symptoms that occur are “watery” vision, light flashes, massive floaters and sudden loss of vision.

Successful treatment will depend on the extent, location and cause of the detachment. The most important thing to remember is the seriousness of the situation and the need to treat it as an emergency.

The CPO examination includes 100 multiple choice questions and a minimum score of 75% is required to successfully pass. The CPO was offered on 19 separate dates during 2005 at several AOA Affiliate/Regional entities as well as the established regional examination dates.

High score was 100% while the lowest score was 48%. The average score was 85%. Total 690 Candidates (647 pass/43 fail) = 94 % Pass Rate and 6% Fail Rate Maximum Score = 100 (100%).

Overall, 90% of CPO candidates are employed at a private practice. Of the 618 candidates in this category, 586 or 95% passed while 32 or 5% were not successful.

An eligibility requirement to sit for the CPO examination includes that the candidate have a minimum of a high school diploma or its equivalency. Overall, the majority (71%) of CPO candidates hold a minimum of a high school diploma or its equivalency. 23% hold an Associate, Bachelors, or Post Graduate degree. The remaining 6% have attended/graduated a formal assistant/technician program or did not respond to this question.

Another eligibility requirement to sit for the CPO examination includes at least six month experience in the eye care field. For tracking purposes, the CPC also inquires as to how many years experience candidates have. The majority of candidates have had less than one year experience which meets the eligibility criteria. Of these candidates, 93% are successful. Those candidates who have more than three years experience, attain a 95% pass rate.

The CPOA examination includes 225 multiple choice questions and a minimum score of 67.5% is required to successfully pass. The CPOA examination was offered on 19 separate dates during 2005 at several AOA Affiliate/Regional entities as well as the established regional examination dates.

High score was 91% while the lowest score was 41%. The average score was 69.83%. Total 269 Candidates (177 pass/92 fail) = 66% Pass Rate and 34% Fail Rate Maximum Score = 225 (100%).

When a candidate registers for the examination, the application includes a series of questions. This information is included in demographic surveys for various purposes. One such question is the candidates’ primary place of employment.

Overall, 87% of CPOA candidates are employed at a private practice. Of the 234 candidates in this category, 157 or 67% passed while 77 or 33% were not successful.

An eligibility requirement to sit for the CPOA examination includes that the candidate have a minimum of a high school diploma or its equivalency.

Overall, the majority (68%) of CPOA candidates hold a minimum of a high school diploma or its equivalency. 24% hold an Associate, Bachelors, or Post Graduate degree. The remaining 8% have attended/graduated a formal assistant/technician program or did not respond to this question.

For tracking purposes, the CPC also inquires as to how many years experience candidates have. The majority of the candidates (50%) have had three or more years experience. Of those in that category, 75% pass.

The CPOT examination includes 250 multiple choice questions and a minimum score of 66.8% is required to successfully pass. The CPOT written examination was offered on 19 separate dates during 2005 at several AOA Affiliate/Regional entities as well as the established regional examination dates.

High score was 85% while the lowest score was 48%. The average score was 68.72%. Total 101 Candidates (58 pass/43 fail) = 57% Pass Rate and 43% Fail Rate Maximum Score = 250 (100%).

When the candidate registers for the examination, the application includes a series of questions. This information is included in demographic surveys for various purposes. One such question is the candidates’ primary place of employment.

Overall, 63% of CPOT candidates are employed at a private practice. Of the 64 candidates in this category, 41 passed while 23 were not successful.

An eligibility requirement to sit for the CPOT examination includes that the candidate have a minimum of a high school diploma or its equivalency. Overall, the majority (54%) of CPOT candidates hold a minimum of a high school diploma or its equivalency. 25% hold an Associate or Bachelors degree. The remaining 25% have attended/graduated a formal assistant/technician program.

For tracking purposes, the CPC also inquires as to how many years experience candidates have. The majority of the candidates have had three or more years experience while 25% have less than one year. The latter would account for technician program students. Of the student category, 52% passed and 48% failed. Whereas those with three or more years experience, 65% pass while 35% do not.