PRACTICE MANAGEMENT Help Desk

Web Site Makes CE Easier

■ The Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO) signaled its commitment to the education of ophthalmic personnel with a new and improved Web site. The redesigned site, www.jcahpo.org, aims to provide JCAHPO's audience, which includes eyecare personnel, employers and accredited ophthalmic educational institutions, more convenient access to continuing education tools, says JCAHPO Executive Director Lynn D. Anderson, Ph.D. "Even with the growing personnel shortage in ophthalmology right now, we are managing to reach individuals who might not otherwise have had the opportunity to enter this field," Anderson says. "That's important to us."

New features include easier navigation to find tools and an "online service center." This allows personnel to manage their personal accounts and track their own credits, as well as change and update their personal information. Users can also register for meetings and purchase educational products. A new JCAHPO bookstore, scheduled for launch at the end of July, will sell textbooks and learning materials such as CD-Roms with simulations.

"Basically, it will offer resources that will enhance the training skills of ophthalmic personnel," explains Anderson. Additionally, the site allows users access to education and research foundation links for available listings of grants, scholarships and further additional CE assistance opportunities.

Another technological innovation JCAHPO is introducing is taking its newsletter online. Beginning this month, Eye Lights will be available exclusively through e-mail. While personnel can subscribe on the Web site, those certified through JCAHPO will automatically receive the newsletter, Anderson says.

JCAHPO is confident the changes will help it better serve the growing number of ophthalmic personnel who turn to the organization for help. Last April, for instance, JCAHPO reports that its Web site received 800,000 hits. In the fall, when the organization has its annual continuing education program, numbers tend to swell, Anderson reports. "They will surpass 1 million hits around that time of year," she says. "The new Web site will help personnel stay certified and stay competitive." OM