Let optometrists do eye surgery? That's going to be a no - American Medical Association

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Let optometrists do eye surgery? That's going to be a no American Medical Association

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[Ken Elder]

Didn't read the article but what else could they possible say?

 

[Michael W Ohlson]

We’re contributing to their arguments.

The applicant: seat ratio approaches 1:1.

I just watched a presentation citing lower OAT scores over time.

The first time taker pass rate on NBEO Part I, Applied Basic Science, while high at some colleges, is abysmal at others on the same test.

One state board’s reaction is to propose accepting a non-equivalent licensure test. The biomedical sciences are foundational to improved clinical decision-making and better outcomes in complex cases.

AOA trustees are reportedly suggesting optometry look for alternate testing. Thus, the suggested answer seems to be to artificially create higher pass rates rather than improve upon pass rates. This risks both patients and the public trust. Bad advocacy idea.

I also hear the test is just too hard, harming optometry. Words to the effect of: NBEO is protecting the public to the detriment of optometry have been reported. Let’s hope that isn’t viewed by the world.

There has been no increase in difficulty or shift to higher cut scores. Many candidates breeze through the exam. Most ultimately pass. The institutional report is on the ASCO site.

Procedures are learned by doing while under expert supervision.

Our state boards don’t require accredited CE. Perhaps they don’t know about standardized testing and accredited CE. But assuring initial and continuing competency of licensees is their job.

I write this while supporting enhanced scope for ODs. I simply see no reason for us to press forward with one aspect of a fight while running backwards on four other areas. We’ll ultimately lose in that way.

 

[Ken Elder]

We’re contributing to their arguments.

The applicant: seat ratio approaches 1:1.

I just watched a presentation citing lower OAT scores over time.

MCAT scores are remaining stable over time and this makes sense.

The number of medical schools in the country has increased about 10% in the past 25 years.

The number of optometry schools since I graduated 25 years ago is up almost 50%.

 

[Michael W Ohlson]

MCAT scores are remaining stable over time and this makes sense.

The number of medical schools in the country has increased about 10% in the past 25 years.

The number of optometry schools since I graduated 25 years ago is up almost 50%.

It’s not that difficult to sort through the data. Some is complex, but not all. Study has begun.

Thus far it reflects common sense.

NBEO (the finance cmte) presented a report to ARBO HoD. We compared ourselves to others, too. There were no pointed questions. We didn’t leave room for doubt. Everyone was invited to visit or ask more questions. Our entire presentation was based upon submitted questions, actually.

Arguing to avoid science testing, to use virtual proctoring for high-stakes licensure exams, bashing our small profession’s board exam due to the pass rates, making up weird conspiracy theories… jumped the shark. It’s very bad advocacy to increase doubt, increase angst, and lose the public trust. No one could make this up.

The lesson that will come out is that: 1) testing has known, demanded requirements in 2025; that’s reality; 2) if you take the top half of a pool, they score better; if you take the entire pool, some score far worse; 3) NBEO needed new IT and was charged with creating a new test; if you compare us to others, our spending is favorable; if you compare us by size, the numbers make sense; 4) being angry doesn’t make one correct; 5) NBEO is accountable to the public and to regulatory agencies; bring it; 6) NBEO demonstrates transparency via audits, 990s, broad cmtes, broad councils, the state board review cmte (NBERC), external psychometrics, external security, visitors/observers, a public member in governance, academics in governance, state board folks in governance… golly; 7) medicine, pharmacy, nursing, chiropractic, etc. create their nat’l licensing exams; so does optometry; that’s a plus, not a minus.