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Outline and Test Specifications for the National Contact Lens Examiners
Advanced Certification Examination
Content
Area
Prefit, Preparation
and Evaluation
Obtain and document
the customer's/patient's history through oral interview and records
to determine if the customer/patient is a lens candidate.
Assess the technical
aspects of the customer's/patient's ocular status for lens wear by
using instrumentation and other empirical methods to determine appropriate
contact lens options.
Discuss the customer's/patient's
needs and expectations, evaluate all gathered information, and explain
different lens wear options to meet customer's/patient's visual, physiological
and psychological needs.
Determine Lens Type
and Design Contact Lens Parameters
Select lens
materials/design based on previously gathered information in order to
conduct a diagnostic lens evaluation, if trial lens fitting is deemed
beneficial.
Insert trial
lenses and evaluate findings in order to determine appropriate lens
selection.
Determine lens
parameters by using the results obtained from the diagnostic fitting
(trial insertion) and evaluate objective findings and customer's/patient's
subjective responses to fitting so that the appropriate lens can be
ordered.
Order lenses
by specifying lens parameters to achieve appropriate lens design.
Customer/Patient
Instruction and Delivery Procedures
Verify lens parameters
by comparing lenses received to lenses ordered to assure accuracy.
Educate the customer/patient
on all aspects of lens wear by providing verbal and written instructions
and hands-on practice with the lenses to promote compliance.
Dispense lenses
and assess the fit thought objective and subjective means to ensure
appropriate fit.
Schedule future
appointments for follow-up assessment of lens wear.
Follow-up Visits
with Customer/Patient
Determine the
customer's/patient's subjective response through interview to lens
wear in order to evaluate lens fit and performance.
Observe lens
fit and performance by using instrumentation and diagnostic tools
to determine objective findings.
Determine the
need to modify/alter lens design and/or material based on objective
findings and subjective responses in order to improve lens fit or
performance.
Make appropriate
changes to original lens if necessary, and then reassess new or modified
lens for fit and performance.
Review through
customer/patient discussion and/or demonstration all aspects of lens
wear and care to promote compliance.
Schedule future
appointments to monitor lens fit and ocular integrity, promote continuity
of care, and assure customer/patient awareness of new contact lens
developments and technology.
Maintain complete
and accurate customer/patient records and refer customer/patient to
original prescriber for verification of lens fit.
Practice Management
Professional Relations
Communicate with
other professionals (e.g., ophthalmologist, optometrist, and optician).
Establish and
maintain effective communications with vendors.
Serve as an expert
resource and educator for other professionals including opticians,
optometrists, ophthalmologists and ancillary personnel.
Personnel Relations
Plan, implement,
and/or evaluate personnel policies and practices that comply with
all applicable federal, state and local laws.
Plan, implement
and/or evaluate programs to promote recruitment procedures that enhance
staff selection and
retention (e.g.,
benefits, training, incentives, flexible work schedules, staff recognition,
regular performance appraisals).
Establish and
maintain a safe and positive work environment (e.g., safety training,
employee risk management, communication and motivational techniques).
Plan, implement
and/or evaluate a staff in-service training program.
Customer Relations
Establish and
maintain effective customer/patient and practitioner interactions.
Establish policies
and procedures regarding verbal and written communications (e.g.,
scripting, employee empowerment).
Review employee
documents and customer/patient complaints to analyze and resolve problems.
Re-evaluate policies
and procedures and complaints to prevent future problems, modify policies
and procedures, if necessary.
Sales/Marketing
Demonstrate products
to the public.
Provide educational
seminars and/or materials to the public.
Promote awareness
of goods and services.
Deliver complimentary
services to the community (e.g., vision screening).
Business
Develop, implement
and/or monitor a budget.
Develop, implement
and/or monitor third party relationships
Comply with professional,
ethical and legal guidelines.
Document compliance
with professional, ethical and legal guidelines.
Physical Management
Develop, implement
and/or monitor policies and procedures regarding inventory and inventory
control.
Develop, implement
and/or monitor policies and procedures regarding tools and equipment
and their maintenance.
Professional Development
Attend educational
events (e.g., seminars, workshops, trade shows, conventions).
Conduct educational
events (e.g., seminars, workshops, trade shows, conventions).
Set goals and
clarify professional objectives.
Develop and implement
time management.
Maintain professional
certification.
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