Introduction
Despite notable advances in optometry clinical practice, board certification programs, specialization and advanced student and resident training, the Clinical Optometrist Qualification Standard (COQS) for appointment and promotion of VA optometrists has remained unchanged for 38 years. In addition, changes to state optometry licensing laws have accelerated since 1978 that have significantly expanded the patient care responsibilities of optometrists that recast their eligibility for optometry clinical privileges in the VA.
Drs Myers and Mullen, former VA Optometry Service Directors, sent a letter and the following draft of an updated COQS to the Secretary, Department of Veterans Affairs on March 27, 2017 which includes their key recommendation to incorporate the board certifications established by the profession of optometry in the past ten years by utilizing them as quantifiable, national benchmarks of clinical competence in both general and specialty optometry practice.
Proposed Clinical Optometrist Qualification Standard (COQS) (.doc)
Proposed Clinical Optometrist Qualification Standard (COQS) (.pdf)