Advanced optometric education for an evolving scope of practice

Optometry is evolving at a rapid pace, with twelve states—and counting—now authorizing doctors of optometry to perform office-based surgical procedures. To keep up with these critical advancements, practices need comprehensive resources and training. That’s where Optometry’s Meeting® | 5th World Congress of Optometry, held June 25-28 in Minneapolis, comes in to provide invaluable continuing education (CE) and hands-on training to the global optometric community. 

Why attend Optometry’s Meeting for surgical procedures training? 

This event offers a unique opportunity for both doctors of optometry and paraoptometric professionals to refine their surgical skills. With 20 hours of CE focused on procedures like selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT), laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI), YAG capsulotomy, foreign body removal, injections and minor surgeries, attendees gain critical insights and practical techniques.  

Optometry’s Meeting also covers essential topics such as surgical coding and billing, ensuring practices are equipped to handle every aspect of surgical care. 

In addition to lectures, attendees can experience six interactive workshops. These hands-on sessions allow doctors of optometry and paraoptometric staff to practice anterior segment laser techniques, biopsy methods, lesion and foreign body removal, trichiasis correction and more.  

With limited workshop seating available, early registration is encouraged. Early bird registration is available through March 31. 

Empowering paraoptometric teams 

For practices looking to enhance team efficiency and capabilities, Optometry’s Meeting offers the AOA’s optometric surgical assisting micro-credential—a hands-on component for paraoptometric professionals. This specialized training equips paraoptometric professionals with advanced skills to assist during surgical procedures, elevating both practice efficiency and patient care. 

⏩10 reasons why the surgical assisting micro-credential is essential 

“Achieving the Paraoptometric Surgical Assisting Micro-credential has been valuable to our practice at Oneota Valley Family Eye Care,” BreeAnna McCarthy, CPOT, and Jessica Lennon, CPOA, NCLEC, say. “This investment in expertise not only elevates the quality of care we deliver but also reinforces our commitment to staying at the forefront of eye care excellence.”