Board certificaiton: Is it tearing optometry apart?

Optometric Management, Apr 2000 by Bowling, Ernest L

Dr. Haffner is also concerned about this. "I fear the public ridicule, and I also fear the mischief-making by other disciplines that will seize the opportunity for public criticism."

Remember when you were trying to expand your respective scope-of-practice acts in your state legislatures? Think about what our opposition can do with this ammunition.

A colleague of mine, who asked that I not use his name, put it more bluntly.

"The real problem in my mind is that ABOP board certification in its current form is nothing more than glorified transcript-quality continuing education, which isn't close to being comparable to board certification in the medical professions.

"It's set up so that we can get a nice title without getting our hands too callused. Medical board certification by all accounts is a very arduous process that often must be repeated by even the brightest dots.

"If ABOP really wanted board certification to be comparable to internal medicine or ophthalmology, it would set up something like the diplomate program in the Academy. But of course, this wouldn't be palatable for most O.D.s, and so it's politically untenable."

Crossing the great divide

On whatever side of the ABOP fence you're sitting, one thing is certain: It's a divisive issue. That the ABOP proposal was perceived as "rushed" through the AOA Congress doesn't help win support. While this charge has been denied, the perception remains. And perception is reality to many optometrists.

We need to reach a consensus among us. Proceeding without a consensus risks alienating members of the profession.

One state optometric association president, who asked not to be identified, fears "attrition among the rank and file." Our leaders should remember that participation in the AOA is also voluntary. Or, as Dana Rohleder, O.D., of Oneida, N.Y, noted in a recent letter:

"Although well meaning, I don't feel the AOA acted on my behalf on this [ABOP] issue. I will have to think long and hard about writing that check to renew my membership."

Dr. Kevin Alexander, AOA trustee, expressed that "there is a value to our profession with this issue that speaks to our ongoing commitment to continued clinical competence. However, there needs to be a consensus. Everyone's thumbprint needs to be on this."

To address this concern, the NBEO has called for a "national meeting in 2000 to discuss the issue of board certification in its entirety with all stakeholders present and represented."

Voicing our opinions

This June, during the 103rd AOA Congress, board certification for optometry will be revisited. Delegates will be asked to reaffirm the 1999 resolution creating ABOP

According to Dr. McCall, "Three hours have been set aside for debate. Every organization will be invited and given an opportunity to present its views."

If we could peer into the future, where will optometry be if board certification becomes a reality? In Dr. McCall's opinion, optometry will grow and expand. Optometrists will be equals to other healthcare professionals and will benefit in the marketplace.