State Board Exam UPDATE.
The Board of Examiners for Opticians met on December 7, 2020 to discuss two agenda items: State Practical Exam and Virtual Continuing Education credits. The Board voted to temporarily accept the ABO & NCLE virtual practical exam during the current state of emergency (pandemic).
Candidates who applied for the Practical Exam through the Department of Public Health will receive an email from DPH outlining next steps.
The requirements for sitting for the state licensure exam still apply (successful completion of a board approved 2 year Associate’s Degree from an accredited opticianry program, or 8,000 hours/4 years of supervised apprenticeship and successful completion of both the ABO and NCLE basic certification exams. If a candidate meets these requirements, they are eligible to apply to sit for the Optician State Board examination.
Virtual CECs (Zoom, Microsoft Teams) UPDATE
The Board of Examiners for Opticians voted to allow for Face-to-Face virtual continuing education courses for credit.
The organization delivering the courses must have a methods in place to monitor course attendance. Credit is given to the attendees that are in full attendance. All courses must be approved by ABO/NCLE.
The Board of Examiners for Opticians met on December 7, 2020 to discuss two agenda items: State Practical Exam and Virtual Continuing Education credits. The Board voted to temporarily accept the ABO & NCLE virtual practical exam during the current state of emergency (pandemic).
Candidates who applied for the Practical Exam through the Department of Public Health will receive an email from DPH outlining next steps.
The requirements for sitting for the state licensure exam still apply (successful completion of a board approved 2 year Associate’s Degree from an accredited opticianry program, or 8,000 hours/4 years of supervised apprenticeship and successful completion of both the ABO and NCLE basic certification exams. If a candidate meets these requirements, they are eligible to apply to sit for the Optician State Board examination.
Virtual CECs (Zoom, Microsoft Teams) UPDATE
The Board of Examiners for Opticians voted to allow for Face-to-Face virtual continuing education courses for credit.
The organization delivering the courses must have a methods in place to monitor course attendance. Credit is given to the attendees that are in full attendance. All courses must be approved by ABO/NCLE.
Are you a candidate for licensure in CT wondering what is going on with the state board exam? If so, tune in to the Department of Public Health and Board of Examiners for Opticians meeting on Monday, December 7, 2020 - 9:00am, via MicroSoft Teams.
https://portal.ct.gov/.../Optician-Agenda---12-07-2020.pdf
CT Board of Exqminers Virtual Meeting December 7th at 9:00am!
- exam update
-continuing education update
Tune in and hear what is going on in our state!
#stateassociation
#beintheknow
#ctopticians
#neverstoplearning
https://portal.ct.gov/.../Optician-Agenda---12-07-2020.pdf
CT Board of Exqminers Virtual Meeting December 7th at 9:00am!
- exam update
-continuing education update
Tune in and hear what is going on in our state!
#stateassociation
#beintheknow
#ctopticians
#neverstoplearning
Opticians - We Need You!
PLEASE READ:FROM THE OPTICIANS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA OF WHICH SOCO IS A PROUD MEMBER OF. OPEN UNTIL MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23!
Got 15 minutes?
Hello!
We are pleased to share the launch of The Vision Council’s 2020 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Survey.
You can support this important initiative by participating in the survey! Just 15 minutes of your time.
Participation in the survey across all segments of the industry is crucial to gathering the data required to identify milestones, provide actionable pathways for community members to access, and, ultimately, effect long-lasting industry change.
The 2020 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion survey marks an important next step in our collective mission to foster a more diverse, equitable and inclusive community.
Thank YOU!!
Dibby Bartlett
President
Opticians Association of America
Visit www.thevisioncouncil.org/2020diversitysurveyto take the survey.
The survey is confidential and will remain open until Monday, November 23. You will not be asked for any personal information.
PLEASE READ:FROM THE OPTICIANS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA OF WHICH SOCO IS A PROUD MEMBER OF. OPEN UNTIL MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23!
Got 15 minutes?
Hello!
We are pleased to share the launch of The Vision Council’s 2020 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Survey.
You can support this important initiative by participating in the survey! Just 15 minutes of your time.
Participation in the survey across all segments of the industry is crucial to gathering the data required to identify milestones, provide actionable pathways for community members to access, and, ultimately, effect long-lasting industry change.
The 2020 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion survey marks an important next step in our collective mission to foster a more diverse, equitable and inclusive community.
Thank YOU!!
Dibby Bartlett
President
Opticians Association of America
Visit www.thevisioncouncil.org/2020diversitysurveyto take the survey.
The survey is confidential and will remain open until Monday, November 23. You will not be asked for any personal information.
What Is The Contact Lens Rule?
In place since August 2004, the Rule imposes obligations on both eye-care prescribers and contact lens sellers. The prescriber must automatically provide the patient with a complete copy of the contact lens prescription after completion of a contact lens fitting, and also must verify or provide the prescription to authorized third parties. The Rule also requires that contact lens vendors sell contact lenses only in accordance with a valid prescription the seller has received from either the patient or prescriber, or has verified via direct communication with the prescriber.
What is the Final Rule?
The Final Rule requires prescribers to request that their patients confirm that they have received their prescription, and allows flexibility in the way the prescription and confirmation are provided.
The New FTC Rule, which went into effect on October 16, 2020, will require opticians who fit contact lenses to provide this information in the following way:
To help members comply, below find a PDF Contact Lens Release form for your convenience.
In place since August 2004, the Rule imposes obligations on both eye-care prescribers and contact lens sellers. The prescriber must automatically provide the patient with a complete copy of the contact lens prescription after completion of a contact lens fitting, and also must verify or provide the prescription to authorized third parties. The Rule also requires that contact lens vendors sell contact lenses only in accordance with a valid prescription the seller has received from either the patient or prescriber, or has verified via direct communication with the prescriber.
What is the Final Rule?
The Final Rule requires prescribers to request that their patients confirm that they have received their prescription, and allows flexibility in the way the prescription and confirmation are provided.
The New FTC Rule, which went into effect on October 16, 2020, will require opticians who fit contact lenses to provide this information in the following way:
- request that the patient acknowledge receipt of the contact lens prescription by signing a separate confirmation statement;
- request that the patient sign a prescriber-retained copy of the prescription that contains a statement confirming the patient has received it;
- request that the patient sign a prescriber-retained copy of the sales receipt for the examination that contains a statement confirming the patient received the prescription; or
- provide the patient with a digital copy of the prescription, and retain evidence that it was sent, received, or made accessible, downloadable, and printable.
To help members comply, below find a PDF Contact Lens Release form for your convenience.
October 1, 2020
Vision Expo East is ON!
The Vision Council and Reed Exhibitions, organizers of Vision Expo, today announce that Vision Expo East 2021, originally scheduled to take place from March 18–21, will now take place May 25–28, 2021 (Education: May 25–28; Exhibition: May 26–28) at the Javits Center in New York City. The date change reflects a proactive decision by the Show’s organizers in the interest of providing more time for companies to effectively plan their participation during this challenging period for the optical marketplace. The Vision Council and Reed Exhibitions, organizers of Vision Expo, today announce that Vision Expo East 2021, originally scheduled to take place from March 18–21, will now take place:
May 25–28, 2021
(Education: May 25–28; Exhibition: May 26–28) at the Javits Center in New York City.
Vision Expo East is ON!
The Vision Council and Reed Exhibitions, organizers of Vision Expo, today announce that Vision Expo East 2021, originally scheduled to take place from March 18–21, will now take place May 25–28, 2021 (Education: May 25–28; Exhibition: May 26–28) at the Javits Center in New York City. The date change reflects a proactive decision by the Show’s organizers in the interest of providing more time for companies to effectively plan their participation during this challenging period for the optical marketplace. The Vision Council and Reed Exhibitions, organizers of Vision Expo, today announce that Vision Expo East 2021, originally scheduled to take place from March 18–21, will now take place:
May 25–28, 2021
(Education: May 25–28; Exhibition: May 26–28) at the Javits Center in New York City.
July 09, 2020
VISION EXPO WEST September 2020 CANCELLED
VISION EXPO WEST September 2020 CANCELLED
ORGANIZERS OF VISION EXPO ANNOUNCE CANCELLATION OF SEPTEMBER 2020 EVENT
Decision Follows the Announcement from Nevada’s Governor Regarding the Extension of Phase 2 Reopening Plans through the End of July.
Decision Follows the Announcement from Nevada’s Governor Regarding the Extension of Phase 2 Reopening Plans through the End of July.
SOCO's Let's Discuss Our New Normal Forum
Video-Teleconference
07/08/2020
7:00-8:00 pm
If you missed the forum, below you will find some links that may help you and your practice. The conversation was very good as we all learned a lot from each other on how the reopening is coming along and what we can do to keep business going strong, interacting with our representatives all while adhering to CDC guidelines.
Forum links
Reopening post covid by Clear Vision Optical (CVO)
Reopening Resource Guide by VSP
Video-Teleconference
07/08/2020
7:00-8:00 pm
If you missed the forum, below you will find some links that may help you and your practice. The conversation was very good as we all learned a lot from each other on how the reopening is coming along and what we can do to keep business going strong, interacting with our representatives all while adhering to CDC guidelines.
Forum links
Reopening post covid by Clear Vision Optical (CVO)
Reopening Resource Guide by VSP
Opticians Association of America (OAA) covid19 response
OAA has links to CDC’s recommendations for office disinfection, CDC's recommendations for employers, and more.
Remember:
Clear Vision Optical (CVO) put together a comprehensive guide for ALL opticians on planning, preparing, rebuilding, and restarting post COVID19.
OAA has links to CDC’s recommendations for office disinfection, CDC's recommendations for employers, and more.
Remember:
- Opticians Are and Will Continue To Be a Vital Component in our Healthcare System
- The Optical Industry is Strong and Healthy
- Americans are Resilient and Full Of Ingenuity
Clear Vision Optical (CVO) put together a comprehensive guide for ALL opticians on planning, preparing, rebuilding, and restarting post COVID19.
SOCO COVID-19 Forum
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SOCO COVID 19 Forum notes
Video-teleconference 04/30/2020 7:00 pm MASK/PPE- Amazon- ordered surgical basks (box of 50) gloves, face shields had them all within a week Walmart- has been hit or miss on gloves but they have been available Ocean State Job Lot-paper products gloves, cleaning and disinfecting solutions Rochester Optical- Shields, N95 masks, ear loop extenders With ship times being longer we need to think innovatively, outside the box. - Some are making masks themselves - pupilometer with a hinged piece of plexiglass Velcro Local PPE: Masks Sanitizer Cindy’s Soap Cottage hired 14 people who are laid off to sew at home. For every mask they sell for $12 she pay’s the sewer $10 and for every mask they sell for $15 she pays them $12.00. She also makes and sells hand sanitizer. All local. We have included an article below and links to the website and Facebook. Click here for Cindy’s Soap Cottage East Windsor website. Cindy’s Soap Cottage has hand made masks and sanitizer available. Click here for Cindy’s Soap Cottage East Windsor facebook. Click here for Article of Cindy’s Soap Cottage Dispensary Status- Open limited hours, 10:00-2:00, 9:30-1:00. Curbside pick up, contact lens orders shipped. Going forward in the optical dispensary -Follow CDC guidelines -Keep the patient confident in our ability to safely care for them wash hands in front of them, alcohol everything, provide a routine. - All about communication with expectations. Let the patient know what to expect when they are setting up a time to come in. Let them know what office protocol will be to help them prepare for what will occur. BE EMPATHETIC -One office takes patient’s temperature at the door, no mask = no service, hand sanitizer then gloved and straight to exam lane. PT will not be allowed to pull frames off the board themselves. There will be a dirty tray to keep frames separate and immediately washed after. Staff cleaning knobs and high touch surfaces (deep clean) 3 x’s a day. LIMIT HAND TO HAND EXCHANGE! (money/cards) -paypal -direct invoices to phones - sandwich bag to insert card Frames Data has a virtual try on option. Can send the patient a link that is populated with your inventory and they can select from there to have us pull frames to have them waiting. Roughly $1,000 to have this set up. -A lot of frame manufacturers have released their recommended protocol to cleaning. Many have posted their recommendations on their websites. Or contact frame representative. The Vision Council (reopening guidance) https://thevisioncouncil.org/members/reopening-guidance From The Vision Council: As parts of the U.S. begin to approach a reopening stage, The Vision Council is committed to helping our members navigate this “new normal.” Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the COVID-19 pandemic is an emerging and rapidly changing situation with new information on best health practices determined daily. We advise all members to closely monitor local, state and federal guidance as well as information published by the CDC, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other leading authorities. Go to link above for full details. B LOANS- Small Businesses are still able to get PPE Money “there’s other money out there, just go look” Had more success with local banks Continuing Education CECs -Continue to take ABO and NCLE credit courses to maintain certification. -Many companies and 20/20 magazine are offering free CECs. Take advantage of time. Continue to learn. -CT suspended the continuing education requirements for opticians. Licensees with expiration dates between March 10, 2020 and February 28, 2021 are not required to complete the continuing education required for license renewal. -ABO and NCLE certifications that expire every three years still require CECs. -EyeThrive Webinars Click here for Eye Thrive, a series of great recordings for a practical roadmap for getting back to business. |
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Please see the attached press release for complete details regarding proctored examinations.
April 23, 2020 proproctor_announcement.pdf
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, and the obligations that the American Board of Opticianry & National Contact Lens Examiners, Inc., (ABO & NCLE), has to its Certificants, Applicants for Certification and Continuing Education, ABO & NCLE has undertaken substantial measures to assist in these unprecedented times.
April 23, 2020 proproctor_announcement.pdf
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, and the obligations that the American Board of Opticianry & National Contact Lens Examiners, Inc., (ABO & NCLE), has to its Certificants, Applicants for Certification and Continuing Education, ABO & NCLE has undertaken substantial measures to assist in these unprecedented times.
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COVID-19 Response regarding Continuing Education
Governor Lamont's Executive Order #7DD (April 22, 2020) suspending the continuing education requirements for opticians. Licensees with expiration dates between March 10, 2020 and February 28, 2021 are not required to complete the continuing education required for license renewal. Please click on link. #9 after the last Whereas specifically addresses the suspension of Continuing Education Requirements for Healthcare Providers. https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/Office-of-the-Governor/Executive-Orders/Lamont-Executive-Orders/Executive-Order-No-7DD.pdf?la=en Link to page specific to opticians: https://portal.ct.gov/DPH/Practitioner-Licensing--Investigations/Optician-Licensure/Continuing-Education |
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COVID-19 Response
Governor Lamont's Executive Order #70 (March 27, 2020) takes several emergency actions in response to the COVID-19 outbreak and the governor's civil preparedness and public health declarations, including: Suspension of license renewals and inspections by DPH.
PDF of Executive Order 70 Order #70 is linked for your review. The final WHEREAS, #1, in the PDF is where the aforementioned is stated for your review.
-March 31, 2020
Governor Lamont's Executive Order #70 (March 27, 2020) takes several emergency actions in response to the COVID-19 outbreak and the governor's civil preparedness and public health declarations, including: Suspension of license renewals and inspections by DPH.
PDF of Executive Order 70 Order #70 is linked for your review. The final WHEREAS, #1, in the PDF is where the aforementioned is stated for your review.
-March 31, 2020
CT DPH has postponed the June optician licensing examinations. The application deadline is STILL MARCH 30, 2020. Get your applications notarized and completed in time! Stay & be well.
-March 19, 2020
-March 19, 2020