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VIEWS (VA-IJCAHPO Eye TECH Workforce Support)
Share PrintVA-IJCAHPO Eye Tech Workforce Support (VIEWS) focuses on assisting uncertified eye technicians to become Certified Ophthalmic Assistants (COA). The program’s overarching goal is to increase the number of certified technicians in the VHA workforce to enable eye doctors across the country to provide high quality eye care in both face-to-face and virtual eye care clinics. Additionally, this will increase employee growth opportunities and decrease care in the community costs and improve health equity of eye care delivery in rural areas.
Origin:
January 2022, VISN-23
Adoptions:
5 successful, 5 in-progress
Awards and Recognition:
VHA Shark Tank Finalist, 2024 VHAMIN Education Excellence Award for Interprofessional, Team-Based Learning.
Partners:
Ophthalmology
Recent Updates
Overview
Problem
VA Ophthalmology services are experiencing a shortage of certified technicians, who are critical to the safe and effective delivery of eye care. Certified ophthalmology technicians have been shown to exponentially increase the productivity of Ophthalmologists in the VA system. The VISN 23 Clinical Resource HUB has experienced the ramifications of this shorta
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VA Ophthalmology services are experiencing a shortage of certified technicians, who are critical to the safe and effective delivery of eye care. Certified ophthalmology technicians have been shown to exponentially increase the productivity of Ophthalmologists in the VA system. The VISN 23 Clinical Resource HUB has experienced the ramifications of this shortage firsthand: quality eye care to Veterans can be delayed with increasing wait times and community referrals because of the workforce shortages, especially in rural areas. VISN 23 has had to close Virtual Eye Care services in some rural areas due to the inability to hire a certified technician. There are significant barriers to addressing these shortages, the primary one being the difficulty of providing technicians a pathway to certification within the two-year OPM VA mandated window. In the private sector, ophthalmology technicians can attend a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) school which ranges from 6 months to 2 years of training and costs an average of $13,000. There are only 28 accredited Allied Ophthalmic Education Programs available in just 15 states across the country. This situation is critical within the VA, where there is no formal training program, and technicians require on the job training. VISN 23 has tried this approach with minimal success where technicians either leave the position before the two- year mark, never becoming certified, or they fail the certification exam. One root cause is lack of didactic knowledge and lack of support with exam preparation. VIEWS an internal on-the-job training program that is available enterprise wide, making it an option for everyone within the VA.
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Images
Who will help save sight?
Links
- This is a news article that discusses the ophthalmic technician shortages and certification challenges. Where have all the good technicians gone?
- A news article from the America Academy of Ophthalmology discussing the vital role of certified technicians, national technician shortages, the lack of formal training programs, and certification challenges. Ophthalmic Technicians, Part 1: Tackling the Tech Shortage
Solution
VISN 23 CRH has collaborated with the only certifying body, International Joint Commission of Allied Health Professionals in Ophthalmology (IJCAHPO), to create VIEWS. The goal of this program is to develop a detailed didactic and practical training program, along with a VA learning community of support (e.g. study groups for exam prep and simulation training
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VISN 23 CRH has collaborated with the only certifying body, International Joint Commission of Allied Health Professionals in Ophthalmology (IJCAHPO), to create VIEWS. The goal of this program is to develop a detailed didactic and practical training program, along with a VA learning community of support (e.g. study groups for exam prep and simulation training) to facilitate successful expansion of this critical necessary and highly specialized workforce. If this goal were achieved, it would lead to an expanded pipeline of skilled ophthalmology technicians that would subsequently improve access, increasing the reach of eye care in rural areas, with decreasing referrals to Community Care. In addition, it would result in better retention of skilled employees, because obtaining certification allows for professional growth. This training program could also serve as a pathway for service members transitioning from DOD to gain employment in the VA.
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Images
We will be with you every step of the way!
Videos
There is a career in sight for you! Watch this new video created by IJCAHPO and ATPO to discover more about the path to becoming an ophthalmic assistant. Explore key aspects of daily work, hear personal testimonies from actively certified Allied Ophthalmic Personnel (AOP) at various career levels, and learn about the professional associations and relevant certifications in the field. Consider a career in ophthalmology as an ophthalmic assistant.
- This article discusses certification pathways, professional development, career outlook, and potential salary. Discover the rewarding opportunities of a career in sight
- This is a slide show offering a glimpse into the VIEWS training program and services offered. All about VIEWS
- This is a VA sharepoint explaining VIEWS with links to helpful information VIEWS Sharepoint
Files
Links
Results
Since the beginning of the program, we have enrolled 10 trainees from six VA healthcare systems. Currently five ophthalmology technicians have completed this program. Our certification exam pass rate is 100% with an 80% first time pass score. We have been able to retain 100% of the participants. As of July 31, 2024, 8,939 Veterans have been served by the 10
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Since the beginning of the program, we have enrolled 10 trainees from six VA healthcare systems. Currently five ophthalmology technicians have completed this program. Our certification exam pass rate is 100% with an 80% first time pass score. We have been able to retain 100% of the participants. As of July 31, 2024, 8,939 Veterans have been served by the 10 VIEWS participants. Most of the Veterans served are categorized as rural or highly rural; affording them care promotes health equity for eye care delivery to one of our most vulnerable populations. Additionally, VISN 23 realized a potential CITC cost avoidance of approximately $6.3 million, allowing reallocation of resources to meet other Veterans’ needs.
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Images
Veterans seen by VIEWS trained technicians since the opening of the eye clinic
Metrics
- The First-time pass rate is 80% and the over all pass rate in 100%.
- The retention rate is currently 100%.
Diffusion tracker
Does not include Clinical Resource Hubs (CRH)
Multimedia
Images
Exam passing rates
Implementation
Timeline
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Weeks 1-4
Onboarding completed, IJCAHPO account access obtained, 16 courses completed, one week of clinic rotation completed. -
Weeks 5-7
22 IJCAHPO courses completed, second week of clinic rotation completed. -
Weeks 8-10
14 IJCAHPO courses completed, third week of clinic rotation completed. Competencies completed. -
Weeks 11 and 12
Completion of the remaining IJCAHPO courses. -
Month 12
JCAT home test completed. -
Months 12-18
Certified Ophthalmic Assistant test completed. -
Months 18-24
Grace period for repeat COA testing if needed
Departments
- Ophthalmology
- Optometry
Core Resources
| Resource type | Resource description |
|---|---|
PEOPLE |
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TOOLS |
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Links
- The JCAHPO Career Advancement Tool (JCAT) is a JCAHPO approved independent study course that provides candidates with a study plan that was developed based on The Ophthalmic Assistant: A Text for Allied and Associated Ophthalmic Personnel, 11th Edition, by Stein, Stein, Freeman, and Stein. The JCAT covers the content areas outlined in the Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA®) certification examination and provides a 175 item quiz that tests candidate’s comprehension of the content areas. Upon successful completion of the JCAT quiz (80% or higher), candidates who have met the required eligibility criteria can apply to take the COA level examination. JCAT
Optional Resources
| Resource type | Resource description |
|---|---|
PEOPLE |
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PROCESSES |
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TOOLS |
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Links
- With revisions and additional material that match the new JCAHPO® criteria for Certified Ophthalmic Assistants (COA®), this study resource will remain the top choice for those studying for certification.With nearly 1,400 questions, the Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Exam Review Manual, Third Edition contains more questions with explanatory answers than any other study aid. Additionally, all 19 exam criteria headings are covered inside, including history taking, visual assessment, medical ethics, pharmacology, ophthalmic imaging, surgery, and more. Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) Exam Review Manual
- Quick Study Cards are an easy-to-carry study tool to help you prepare for IJCAHPO's certification examinations. These cards assist in preparation for the Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA®) exam. Learn faster and more efficiently by using this essential study tool to increase your knowledge quickly in preparation for testing. The 200 questions highlighted on the Quick Study Cards will help you prepare for each examination content area. Don't overlook these simple study cards as they are a critical tool to accompany the Study Guides. COA - Quick Study Cards
Support Resources
| Resource type | Resource description |
|---|---|
PEOPLE |
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Risks and mitigations
| Risk | Mitigation |
|---|---|
| Time commitment not allotted due to additional duties | We have found that technicians need to be 100% assigned to the training for a minimum of 12 weeks. This helps develop well trained, confident technicians. |
| Test anxiety | Weekly study groups have been created to provide education and exam tips. One on one tutoring is also available closer to the exam date. |
| Not passing the exam within the allotted two year time frame | We recommend the JCAT test be taken at 12 months, and the COA be taken between 12-18 months. This allows ample time for repeat testing as needed. |
| Employee leaving the VA after certification | According to the latest IJCAHPO salary survey, the average COA hourly wage is $21.99/hour. The GS 8 pay scale starts at $22.27/hour (not including locality pay). A higher hourly wage, along with great the benefits that come with being a VA employee, makes it less likely that an employee will leave the VA after training and certification. |
About
Origin story
After unsuccessful attempts to hire certified ophthalmology technicians throughout VISN 23, we had to take matters into our own hands. The standard guidelines suggests that a Certified Ophthalmology Assistant (COA) is hired in this position. Unfortunately, multiple searches came up short, especially in rural areas. So, we decided to hire someone interested
...
After unsuccessful attempts to hire certified ophthalmology technicians throughout VISN 23, we had to take matters into our own hands. The standard guidelines suggests that a Certified Ophthalmology Assistant (COA) is hired in this position. Unfortunately, multiple searches came up short, especially in rural areas. So, we decided to hire someone interested in the position and help them get certified. As fate would have it Dr. Stepp, VISN 23’s Virtual Eye Care Lead, and Dr. Maa, TECS National Lead, met with representatives from the International Joint Commission of Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (IJCAHPO) at an American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) conference. After discussing the difficulties VISN 23 encountered finding an ophthalmology technician already certified, IJCAHPO representatives pointed out that they had a solution. From there a flourishing partnership was built between VHA and IJCAHPO. Realizing that we could train and certify a technician during the time we spent trying to recruit a COA, VISN 23 set out to build our own workforce. This is critical as we serve the most rural VISNs in the country. We, in VISN 23, strongly support virtual care and believe that this would help to best serve our rural Veteran population. This can only be achieved with well trained technicians, and we are excited to offer a training pathway for success.
Original team
Heather Brightharp
Program Specialist
Dr. Patricia Stepp
V23 VECS Director
Colleen Moody
Health Technician, National Program Coordinator
Kristin Ottosen
Health Technician, VISN 23 Program Coordinator
Dr. April Maa
National TECS Director
Dr. Akshar Abbott
Ophthalmologist
Dr. Deborah Keenum
Assistant VECS Director
Denise Waschick
Program Specialist
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