Connect with us

Press Releases

AAO and ASCO Launch Virtual Clinical Training Program

The goal is to educate optometry students from 25 North American universities during COVID-19 crisis.

mm

Published

on

(PRESS RELEASE) ORLANDO, FL – The American Academy of Optometry, in partnership with the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry, launched a new virtual clinical education program in March to assist with case-based learning for optometry students. Working with the deans and faculty of optometric schools and colleges, the program has seen huge success with more than 2,300 students attending sessions from over 25 institutions across the U.S. and Canada.

Academy Board President Dr. Barbara Caffery said, “We are thrilled with the response to this program. We have students from more than 26 countries participating in sessions. It is a new model we believe will continue to work for both universities and students well into the future.”

Eyecare Shenanigans: 2023’s Top Optometry Articles in Invision Magazine
Eyecare Shenanigans

Eyecare Shenanigans: 2023’s Top Optometry Articles in Invision Magazine

Bringing Independent ECPs Into the 21st Century With the Technology Solutions a Modern Eyecare Business Needs
INVISION Podcast

Bringing Independent ECPs Into the 21st Century With the Technology Solutions a Modern Eyecare Business Needs

The Making of Bespoke Eyewear, An Acetate Kitchen and Collecting Famous People’s Heads
INVISION Podcast

The Making of Bespoke Eyewear, An Acetate Kitchen and Collecting Famous People’s Heads

As part of their clinical curriculum, optometry students see patients in clinics, practices, hospitals, and VA settings to gain first-hand patient experience. However, in the current COVID-19 environment, many are unable to continue direct patient care because of safety practices. For this reason, the Academy created the Student Online Clinical Case Education Program (SOCCEP) in a matter of a couple of weeks time, to provide live streamed and/or recorded content for students to continue their education.

Each education session is approximately 30 minutes long, and according to the latest statistics the program has had:

  • 139 presenters from universities and industry
  • 202 sessions
  • 2,331 unique attendees
  • 28,731 hours of education
  • 41,256 session accessed from attendees; averaging 17.5 sessions attended per unique attendee.

While the program was designed to help fourth-year students and residents build on their clinical experience, it is expected to be utilized as a supplemental and continuing education program for others.

The organizers hope it will also demonstrate to students, residents, and members the commitment of the Academy as a leading contributor to continuing education and professional development. The Academy provides leading professional education and opportunities for lifetime learning to our members, and we’re proud to partner with ASCO to provide supplemental education to the schools programming.

Advertisement

Academy Chief Executive Officer Peter Scott said, “We see this as an educational partnership that happened to be born from a crisis, and our members really stepped up to make a difference in the lives of these students by helping them move forward with their education. Providing programs like this is part of the Academy’s new strategic plan, and our members can expect to see more programming like this as we continue to evolve.”

Dr. Elizabeth Hoppe, Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) president and founding dean, Western University of Health Sciences, College of Optometry, says, “On behalf of ASCO, I would like to thank the Academy. This has been an invaluable resource to support our schools and colleges during this difficult time.”

For additional information on the Student Online Clinical Case Education Program, click here or the ASCO website.

SPONSORED VIDEO

SPONSORED BY VARILUX

The Best Overall Progressive Lens, Now Powered by AI

Engineered with Behavioral Artificial Intelligence and utilizing new XR-motion™ technology, Varilux XR series goes beyond prescription and eye physiology to consider the patient’s visual behavior and design a progressive lens that respects how
their eyes naturally move.

Varilux XR series comes in two versions, Varilux® XR design and Varilux® XR track. The Varilux XR track lens provides an additional level of personalization by incorporating the exclusive Near Vision Behavior Measurement, providing up to 25% more near vision width3 according to the patient’s need, so patients get the highest level of customization.

Discover Varilux XR series and enjoy instantly sharp vision in motion4 and seamless transitions from near to far.

For more information, visit here.

Promoted Headlines

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe

INVISIONMAG.COM
BULLETINS

Get the most important news and business ideas for eyecare professionals every weekday from INVISION.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Most Popular