More courses, more uses, more impact: Why more AOA member doctors, staff are turning to AOA EyeLearn

Engaging conversations on progressive optometric care topics? ✅ 

One-stop shop for detailed staff training resources? ✅ 

Interactive study sessions to prepare your practice team for certification? ✅ 

The AOA EyeLearn Professional Development Hub*, an AOA members-only platform, offers the kind of relevant, on-demand educational courses that optometric practices need with a userbase and content library growing by the day. 

“With ‘education’ being a pillar of the AOA and the profession of optometry, the Education Center Committee created and launched AOA CE Hours several years ago. At the same time, we’ve worked hard to develop the AOA EyeLearn learning platform. We’ve worked to make it both user-friendly and mobile-compatible and now with the touch of a few buttons on your desktop or mobile device, AOA members can have near instant access to countless hours of high-quality education on topics related to practice management, contact lenses, low vision and ocular disease, just to name a few,” said AOA ECC Co-Chair George W. Veliky, O.D.  

Three years after a complete update, AOA EyeLearn—members’ online resource for continuing education (CE) and professional development courses, webinars and training content—has continued to grow its library of content for doctor, paraoptometric and student users with over 200 total courses available, including a pair of educational series available for AOA members and associate members.  

Launched in 2023 and 2022, respectively, the AOA OD Talks Webinar Series for doctors and the Paraoptometric Speaker Series for optometric staff provide interactive, expert-led discussions that can elevate clinical proficiencies and hone practice management acumen. Hosted regularly within AOA EyeLearn, these programs are available for CE credit* and can be viewed either live or in recorded formats—just reference the upcoming webinars calendar within AOA EyeLearn to get these opportunities on your radar.  

To continue to deliver valuable education and content, in 2024, AOA EyeLearn began hosting industry-led education on critical topics including HIPAA and migraines, an offering that will continue to expand moving forward. 

“The AOA EyeLearn platform has been instrumental in providing on demand and cutting-edge education for doctors and paraoptometric professionals,” said AOA ECC Co-Chair Randall J. Kempfer, O.D. “Along with CE options, you will also find dynamic interactive tools for learning, study resources and micro-credentials for staff!”   

Beyond these educational offerings, AOA EyeLearn also has become a powerful staff training tool for optometric practices. In addition to a comprehensive archive of fundamental paraoptometric training and professional development courses, many of which are eligible for Commission on Paraoptometric Certification (CPC) credit, AOA EyeLearn also hosts a comprehensive micro-credential program designed to equip paraoptometric staff with specialized skills and knowledge for optometric surgical assisting. The program is an accelerated, competency-based educational qualification that delivers to staff a foundational understanding of surgical assisting techniques, patient care and surgical office management as routine, optometric surgical procedures continue expanding across the nation. The surgical assisting program provides not only the essential training to support and facilitate the delivery of these services, but also an external validation of the paraoptometric's assisting skills.   

So, what’s everyone learning about on AOA EyeLearn? 

2 most popular doctor courses on AOA EyeLearn 

➡️AOA OD Talks Webinar Series - Dry Eye: Opportunity Awaits 

Dry eye is a multifactorial disease with many different diagnostic tools and treatments available to the practitioner today. This lecture serves to outline the what, when, and how of choosing technology to help our patients who suffer from one of the most common ocular surface disorders-dry eye disease.  Together, in this course we will explore why incorporating the mindset of uncovering dry eye patients in all our patient populations can lead to great outcomes no matter the specialty of the practice. Most importantly, we will discuss how to implement diagnostics, therapeutics, and how to implement what and when. Credit:1 AOA Credit 

➡️AOA OD Talks Webinar Series - The Glaucoma Compass: Direction on First Line Management and Laser 

Glaucoma is one of the most common vision-threatening disorders that we see in our exam chair on a day in and day out basis.  Clinical and scientific evidence supports the use of numerous tests to help in the diagnosis, management, and follow-up of glaucoma, as well as numerous treatment options including medications/eyedrops, laser, MIGS, and incisional surgery.   This interactive glaucoma lecture will review and update glaucoma first line treatment options. Credit: 1 AOA Credit 

2 most popular paraoptometric courses on AOA EyeLearn 

➡️Para Speaker Series: The Art of Frames and Lenses 

Gaining knowledge about frame and lens materials and their components and applying that understanding to achieve accurate frame adjustments and lens alignment. Recognizing the significance of precise measurements to ensure the lens fits correctly within the frame and aligns properly on the patient for optimal results.  Credit: 1 CPC Credit 

➡️Para Speaker Series: Slit Lamp Workshop 

Ocular health is thoroughly evaluated by using the slit lamp. This interactive course will provide a "virtual presentation" of the slit lamp examination, offering an in-depth look at its role in assessing ocular structures. 

The course objectives are as follows: Gaining an understanding of slit lamp evaluations and the different views they provide, identifying normal and abnormal functions of the anterior segment, and exploring the structure and function of the posterior segment. Credit: 1 CPC Credit 

2 most popular doctor/paraoptometric courses on AOA EyeLearn  

➡️Optometry's Role in Migraine and Light Sensitivity  

Migraine headaches are a leading cause of disability worldwide, impact predominantly working-age patients, especially women. There is no cure for this chronic, painful neurological disorder. Migraine is underdiagnosed and undertreated, with a detrimental impact on quality of life, huge economic toll and numerous associated comorbidities. Given the relationship between migraine disorder and light, Optometrists can and should play a role in screening and management. Understand the melanopsin and cone driven pathways and examine the optometry related therapies available. Credit: 1 AOA Credit  

➡️AOA OD Talks Webinar Series: Falling Back in Love with Contact Lenses 

This program is designed to help eye care professionals transform hesitant or lapsed wearers into confident, lifelong lens users. You’ll gain actionable insights into reducing dropout rates, improving patient satisfaction, and boosting practice revenue. Equip yourself with the knowledge to confidently guide your patients on their contact lens journey- from first-time wearers to dedicated users. Credit: 1 AOA Credit 

Be sure to check back in AOA EyeLearn frequently as AOA uploads new content, including courses from Optometry’s Meeting® and recorded webinars. 

Start earning education credits on AOA EyeLearn 

*Courses offered within AOA EyeLearn may be eligible for CE credit for both doctors and paraoptometric professionals, including AOA CE Hours for doctor content and Commission on Paraoptometric Certification (CPC) credits for paraoptometric content. While AOA CE Hours satisfy most state boards’ CE requirements and are respected by many organizations with the practice of optometry, attendees may independently verify their state board requirements by visiting the AOA’s state board and affiliate contact lookup tool.  

Are you new to AOA EyeLearn? Simply use your AOA website credentials to log in to your AOA EyeLearn account, then reference this user guide for further instructions on how to navigate the platform. 

*To access EyeLearn and any listed courses, one must be an AOA member in good standing and logged into their MyAOA account.