After a successful launch last year, AOA 2021 Virtual Learning Livecast opens for registration

You no longer must imagine continuing education (CE) that is convenient and on your schedule. The AOA’s Virtual Learning Livecast is back, after last year’s successful rollout. Registration is now open.

The 2021 Virtual Learning Livecast, Oct. 1-2, is a stress-free way for doctors of optometry, optometry students and paraoptometric staff to earn the contemporary optometric education they need—and want. The lineup of 32 expert-led courses covers 43 total assorted AOA-, COPE- and CPC-approved CE credits. The event reflects the AOA’s focus on year-round professional development for doctors, students and paraoptometrics at their convenience.

One- and two-hour courses are scheduled for 6-10 p.m. on Friday, Oct.1, and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 2, all Central Time.

George Veliky, O.D., AOA Education Center Committee co-chair, says the event’s organizers are looking to build on their success of the AOA’s first-ever virtual CE event.

“This year’s Virtual Learning Livecast offers AOA members an opportunity to not only obtain bulk credit toward licensing renewal but also the opportunity to continue the lifelong journey of professional development beyond the confines of a once-a-year conference,” Dr. Veliky says. “Providing our members access to the livecast in a time separate from Optometry’s Meeting^® allows the Education Center Committee to offer CE classes that can build off each other sequentially. And of course, these educational events can take place in the comfort of their own homes or offices through virtual education.”

Suitable for the whole profession

Courses are designed to engage doctors, students and paraoptometrics alike. Registration fees are as follows: 

• Doctors of optometry (members): $150 (for up to 12 credit hours)
• Doctors of optometry (nonmembers): $225 (for up to 12 credit hours)
• Paraoptometrics (members only): $35 (for up to 12 credit hours)
• Students (members only): $35 (for up to 12 credit hours)
  

Beyond the discount on registration fees, AOA members will gain access to post-livecast content in AOA’s exclusive professional development hub, EyeLearn. New this year, beyond the courses, the Virtual Learning Livecast features networking and breakout rooms for post-course engagement with colleagues and industry. Space is limited but registering now will reserve your seat for this virtual event.

New courses include “Hiring the RIGHT people!”, “Commercial Real Estate Strategies for Optometrists” and “Ophthalmic Utilization of Botulinum Toxin in Clinical Practice.” Courses such as “A Guide to Effectively Communicating Patient Education” are designed for doctors and paraoptometrics to attend jointly.

Erlinda Rodriguez, CPO, chair of the AOA’s Paraoptometric Resource Center Committee, calls the livecast an “excellent opportunity” for paraoptometrics to advance their knowledge by easily accessing courses with new and timely topics.

“The Virtual Learning Livecast offers a new approach to learning in a more flexible environment, compared to taking the time to attend an in-person even,” Rodriguez says. “The AOA Education Center provides different learning platforms throughout the year to member doctors of optometry and paraoptometric associate members.

“The livecast’s paraoptometric-specific courses are geared to increase the paraoptometrics’ knowledge in areas of patient care that paraoptometrics are exclusively engaged in day to day,” she adds. “The integrated courses encourage the teamwork approach, providing information and education necessary to both the paraoptometric and the doctor in order to effectively coordinate a comprehensive plan of patient care. As optometry’s scope of practice expands, the need for highly educated and trained paraoptometrics is required to meet the many clinical and administrative demands in practices.”

Jacqueline M. Bowen, O.D., the AOA Board of Trustees liaison to the AOA Education Center Committee, agrees.

“I find the livecast to be very valuable for doctors and our paraoptometric staff,” Dr. Bowen says. “Whether certified or prospective CPOs (certified paraoptometrics), the opportunity to jointly ‘attend’ the highest-level courses bonds their understanding of excellence in patient care with our doctors. When we recognize an opportunity for positive change through what we’ve learned together, we don’t start from square one but have a common understanding of the end game—the best care for patients.”

Expanding professional development opportunities

The AOA and its Education Center Committee have reimagined education for doctors, students and staff by offering top-notch, timely opportunities.

“The AOA Board of Trustees is solidly committed to advancing the profession through education,” Dr. Bowen says. “Every aspect of advocating for optometry is enhanced when our doctors and staff are bettering ourselves through advanced learning and awareness. The livecast event, and every education opportunity, is an ideal chance to level up the profession’s skill. I’m so encouraged by how our Education Center Committee has answered the call for more opportunities.”