Further Education Opportunities

International Academy Certification in Myopia Management (IACMM)  

The candidate must demonstrate mastery of specific skills including epidemiology of myopia,  myopia-related pathology, data needed to assess risk and progression including axial length, and all therapeutic options (including orthokeratology) available to manage this epidemic disease. Certification is granted after successfully passing a written and oral examination.

Fellowship in the International Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control (FIAOMC)

This fellowship requires the candidate to possess the IACMM (see above) as well as having undergone hundreds of hours of study/training specific to advanced orthokeratology.  The fellow must demonstrate mastery of specific skills including fitting complex cases and advanced troubleshooting. The FIAOMC is awarded after the candidate is examined on 3 highly complex OrthoK cases, passed a written and two-hour oral exam. The FIAOMC is the gold standard representing the highest level of knowledge, ethics and patient care in the field of myopia management and orthokeratology.

What is a Fellow of the International Academy of Orthokeratology & Myopia Control Academy (FIAOMC)?

Fellowship status in the IAOMC is determined by an orthokeratologists experience and expertise and follows a rigorous case evaluation and testing procedure. Those orthokeratologists who achieve Fellowship status are committed to adhering to the highest standards of care in this specialty.

  • Fellowship of the IAOMC is the gold standard for specialists of orthoK
  • A FIAOMC displays the highest level of knowledge, ethics and patient care concerning the practice of orthoK
  • FIAOMC s serve as mentors and role models for new orthokeratologists

Reasons for orthokeratologists to become a fellow:

  • Being an FIAOMC is an excellent way to show your patients, colleagues and other health professionals you have made the ultimate commitment to safe and effective orthokeratology
  • You will be viewed as an orthoK expert by patients researching on the internet
  • You have a distinctive listing on the IAO and OSO website
  • The preparation process enhances your orthoK skills and broadens your knowledge
  • Patients will see the FIAOMC after your name and enquire, giving you and your staff the opportunity to promote orthoK to them and their friends
  • When your IAO colleagues (nationally and globally) need to refer a relocating patient, they will be more likely to choose you as they can trust you are an expert

Current OSO Fellows of the International Academy of Orthokeratology & Myopia Control (FIAOMC):

Australia:

  • Celia Bloxsom
  • Duc Pham
  • Gary Rodney
  • Gavin Boneham
  • Gavin Swartz
  • Jessica Chi
  • John Mountford
  • Lachlan Scott-Hoy
  • Lee Pepper
  • Mark Hinds
  • Oliver Woo
  • Olivia Wynford
  • Philip Cheng
  • Shonit Jagmohan
  • Warren Trac

New Zealand:

  • Andrew Sangster
  • Alex Petty
  • Eleisha Dudson
  • Jagrut Lallu

Message from the OSO Fellowship Chair:

Hello OSO members,The OSO committee would like to invite you to become an OSO Fellow of the International Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control (FIAOMC).

A fellow of the IAOMC is an orthokeratology practitioner passionate and experienced in the art and science of fitting orthokeratology. They are individuals interested in furthering orthoK knowledge and acceptance in their communities and amongst their colleagues. The process of becoming a fellow will also develop and refine your understand of corneal reshaping and myopia control and make you a better practitioner for it. We are hoping to make this a collegial and positive experience for every candidate. You will be recognised by your peers and patients as not just an orthokeratologist, but an experienced and excellent orthokeratologist! There are many FIAOMCs around the world but only a handful in Oceania, so it will be great to have many more of us in the OSO recognised with this honour.

The fellowship process is continually improving. In the past fellowship has been a longer process that was arguably too taxing. In recent times it has been realised that there is no universal certification for orthokeratology that exists. To address this issue, we have streamlined the journey to attaining an FIAO, making it more attainable to our members and future members. There is also now no longer a maintenance requirement to keep your fellowship status. The IAOMC fellowship is the perfect venue for international certification with a well-developed written test and oral exam that demonstrate a candidate’s superior knowledge of the field. The OSO will have fellowship status reported on the OSO website against your name.

Here are the basics:

  • Candidate must have been a continuous member of the IAO or OSO for two years.
  • Candidate must show proof of fitting 50 cases. A minimum of 40 must be orthoK cases, but the remainder may be interesting myopia control cases.
  • Candidates must have attended an OrthoK Bootcamp. OR if a candidate can show proof of having fit greater than 100 orthoK cases, the requirement of Bootcamp is waived.
  • Candidate must have a topographer and the technical capacity to master and utilize it
  • The fellowship process usually consists of a written test and an oral exam, where cases you prepare will be discussed. Testing usually takes place at the biennial OSO Conference.
  • 3 cases will be required for the oral exam. Case #1 will be for practice and feedback. Cases 2 and 3 will be presented as part of the oral exam. These 2 case report must be of sufficient complexity and professional preparation to be judged as “passed”.
  • The testing will emphasise orthoK AND myopia control.

In view of these changes, we have reopened the opportunity to apply for those of you who might not have been able to meet all the previous requirements or felt the journey was too lengthy. It would be a wonderful goal to have every member of the OSO take this journey.

Are you up for the challenge? If so, please review the FIAO application form, and return this to me at shonit@oso.net.au.

Cheers – Alex Petty FIAO (OSO Section Fellowship Chair)

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