THe Testing Protocol

 

 

 

IV. ATTAINING THE FIAOMC: PROTOCOL:

Click HERE for the PDF version of the FIAOMC Protocol

 

 

I. TESTING PROTOCOL

Mandatory Prerequisites

  • Possess the IACMM.
  • Must provide proof of fitting 50 cases. A minimum of 40 must be orthoK-overnight or day wear but the remainder may be interesting myopia control cases.
  • Must have been an IOAMC member for the last 2 continuous years
  • Must have attended one IAOMC section meeting within the last 3 years
  • Must have attended Ortho-K Bootcamp
  • If a candidate can document having fit 100 orthoK cases, the boot camp requirement is waived.
    Must own and use a topographer
  • If candidates employ trial or empirical fitting, must be able to perform ortho-K with a minimum of 2 different ortho-K companies
  • If the candidate employs software that is fully modifiable, then only one company is necessary.
  • If the candidate is a member of the IAOMC-Asia, they must hold the rank of SIAOA (senior member of the IAOAMC-Asia) before they may apply to take the FIAOMC test.
  • If you meet the above mandatory prerequisites, submit your application and case #1 abstract to your section fellowship chair.

If you are selected as one of this year’s FIAOMC candidates, then proceed to the elective choices.

Elective Choices

Any combination of 30 points from the following categories (must be related to ortho-K or myopia control)
Category Points Each Maximum Number
Peer-Reviewed Scientific Study 10 3
Other Publication 5 1
Poster Presentation 10 1
Conference Presentation 10 1
Postgraduate Degree – PhD 15 1
Postgraduate Degree – Master’s 10 1
Fellowship / Residence 10 1
Pl or CoPl Scientific Trial 10 1
Rank of Professor or Assistant Professor 15 1
Pass Multiple Choice Test at 85% 30 1
Other TBD

Definitions: All of these categories must be related to ortho-K, myopia management, or scleral lenses

Peer-reviewed scientific publication – First or second author. Peer-Reviewed journal approved by the panel. Published within the last 8 years

Other publication: Published non-research paper discussing a unique topic relevant to ortho-K or myopia control

Poster: Case report, small study, or unique topic. Displayed at panel-approved conferences within the last 5 years

Presentation –cannot have a financial interest in the topic. Sole presenter – minimum 1 hour. Presented within last 5 years

Postgraduate degree-Ph.D., Postgraduate Master’s degree, Fellowship or Residency: The field should be related to ortho-K or myopia control. Accredited university

Primary Investigator or CoPI in a clinical trial: If ongoing trial must have been started at least 3 months prior. Completion not longer than 5 years ago

The rank of Professor/Assistant Professor: Accredited university. Active appointment

Other: Other activities may be considered. Submit a proposal to the oral committee

 

Written test

The candidate will be provided with a video study guide

The written test may be waived if the candidate has 30 points of alternate elective prerequisites

 

Cases (deadlines must be observed)

Must use standardized FIAOMC template for preparation (unless exception granted).

Cases must include topographic maps AND NaFl photos or videos

Case #1 – practice/mentoring

  • This case has already been submitted as part of the application process
  • Your chair will review the case and provide extensive feedback regarding preparation and questions regarding the treatment protocol.
  • This is where the candidate has the opportunity to ask questions and receive guidance on case preparation. They will not receive any feedback on cases 2 or 3.
  • When the chair determines that the candidate understands how to prepare a case that reflects their fellowship abilities, then they will submit abstracts 2 and 3

Cases 2 and 3 – for Oral Panel Exam

  • Abstracts must be accepted prior to case preparation
  • Cases submitted to the chair. The candidate’s oral panel members will judge if the cases are of sufficient complexity, prepared in a professional manner, and demonstrate fellowship quality performance.
  • If cases are accepted, they will be part of the oral panel exam questions and the candidate proceeds to the oral exam.
  • If they do not pass, the candidate may provide alternate cases if time permits. If not, the candidate must wait until the next testing opportunity.

Case requirements:

Cases must be submitted that are interesting and of sufficient complexity to demonstrate fellowship-quality fitting skills.

Cases must include overnight or daytime ortho-K. One case must show a myopia control design and treatment protocol. But must also be interesting, complex, and detailed.

The panel will determine if the cases qualify and request alternate cases if they are not of sufficient complexity or prepared poorly.

Here is a suggested list of categories for complex cases and interesting cases. Cases must showcase superior skills:

  • Central Island
  • Toric design with high cyl or limbal to limbal
  • Serious problems with glare
  • Resistant or failed Tx despite modifications
  • Poor myopia control
  • Post-surgical fit
  • Significant over or under correction
  • High Rx or low eccentricity
  • Significant SPK
  • Decentration affecting vision
  • Lens adherence
  • Refit from another practitioner
  • Unique myopia control protocol
Note: the candidate may choose to take the written exam but postpone case preparation and the oral exam until the following year.

 

TESTING

WRITTEN EXAM

  • Candidates must pass with a minimum score of 85% curve-adjusted then they progress to the Oral Panel Exam
  • If the score is less than 85% (curve adjusted) – the test must be repeated
  • Allowed one retest at no charge
  • If a candidate fails a second time, must submit a new application and pay the full fee again.

ORAL PANEL EXAM (OPE)

The panel will consist of two to three FIAOs

Will consist of:

  • questions regarding cases 2 and 3
  • Viewing maps, NAFL patterns and answering questions
  • Design question regarding myopia control
  • a discussion designed to test the comprehensive knowledge of the applicant
    Scoring

The passing minimum score is 85%

The score is less than 85% —

  • The oral panel exam must be repeated at the next testing opportunity.
  • May only retake OPE once. If a candidate fails for a second time, they must submit a new application and pay full testing fees.
  • May be given a “provisional” pass and required to submit an additional case to demonstrate knowledge.

 

Click HERE for videos explaining the above.