Computer-based curriculum is designed for today’s tech-savvy learners.

The days of ophthalmic technicians reading textbooks to grow their skill sets are long gone. “There has been a huge generational change in how younger techs consume information,” says Flora Azucena, founder and CEO of the Alchemy Vision Project, a training program for ophthalmic techs. “Due to the advent of technology, apps and social media sites, video-based learning is the future of education.”

With this in mind, Ms. Azucena and Mitchell Shultz, MD, co-founder and chief medical officer for Alchemy Vision Project, launched their program in July 2020. “Video-based education is multi-sensory,” Dr. Shultz says. “Users get both visual and auditory stimulation; they can conveniently complete a course during a break or listen to a course on their phone while driving home.”

Additional impetus: With only 30 training programs for ophthalmology techs in the United States, a tech shortage already existed — which was further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Not uncommonly, practices have been challenged by having 20% to 30% of their staff members absent due to COVID, making cross-training essential,” Dr. Shultz says.

LOTS TO LEARN

According to Ralph Chu, MD, an early user of Alchemy Vision Project who is the founder and chief medical officer of Chu Vision Institute in Bloomington, Minn., the program is much more effective than other online training tools because of its engaging video content used in conjunction with quizzes and exams to test students’ knowledge.

The program’s first module, called “Entry,” is designed to be turnkey, helping practices onboard within weeks new techs who may not have any experience working in ophthalmology or even health care. Entry is also designed to cross-train non-techs to support the back office and improve patient flow and to strengthen the skill sets of experienced techs through continuing education. For example, techs learn how to greet and address patients, how to set up an exam room and what occurs during an eye exam, Dr. Shultz says.

Also, techs learn about the eye’s anatomy, common medications to treat eye conditions, how to take a proper patient history, high-level skills when working up a patient, proper techniques for equipment testing and why a physician uses certain diagnostic tests and treatments for patients, says Ms. Azucena, who is based in Los Angeles and has a background in pharmaceutical sales and entrepreneurial studies.

Each tech takes a training skills assessment at the onset to determine which track bests suits them — beginner, intermediate or experienced. “The coursework is self-guided and self-paced,” Ms. Azucena says. “The platform is very intuitive and can remind users where they left off when logging in.”

Guest faculty members, including surgeons and techs, facilitate weekly classes on Zoom that provide a deeper dive on specific topics, which reinforces the knowledge base taught in the Entry program. “Participants can confidentially pose questions via messaging, including those that they may feel uncomfortable asking at their practice,” says Ms. Azucena.

CORE BENEFITS

Efficiency, consistency and accountability are touted as the course’s core benefits. On average, courses take 10 to 15 minutes to complete. “The shorter lessons are less intimidating; students make progress and complete lessons without having to give up a lot of their precious time,” says Carrie Jacobs, COE, the executive vice president of operations at Chu Vision Institute.

Attainable curriculum, comprised of industry best practices, provides streamlined guidance and knowledge. “This approach gives us the confidence that our techs are being set up for success which benefits them, the practice, but most importantly patients,” Dr. Chu says.

With assignments, quizzes and proficiency check-ins, technicians can measure their progress and achievements. “Accountability makes the investment attractive,” Ms. Jacobs says. “Oftentimes with self-paced training programs, we don’t see motivation to complete programs. We receive monthly reports on everyone’s progress, which allows us to monitor their progress and check in with techs who may be falling behind. We also do a shout-out at each staff meeting to celebrate employees who completed the program.”

Ms. Azucena is confident that anyone who completes the program, including the 100-question final exam, will be prepared to pass the 200-question certified ophthalmic assistant (COA) exam.

BENEFITS ABOUND

Because the modules are online, content can be easily updated, unlike a printed textbook that can become outdated within a year. In fact, Entry was re-launched in January 2022 after some significant updates. Content was written by Dr. Shultz, Ms. Azucena and other ophthalmologists, optometrists and senior technicians. The next module is dubbed “Elevate.” Scheduled to debut in May 2022, it will teach patient counselors and surgery coordinators how to improve their practice’s bottom lines.

Knowledge gleaned from the program builds confidence, which in turn breeds engagement and job satisfaction, Dr. Chu says. “The benefit to a practice’s bottom line is less turnover and burnout, which in today’s environment is priceless,” he says.

“Staff appreciate when a practice takes the financial responsibility for their education and ability to empower themselves,” adds Dr. Shultz. “When a practice runs smoothly and patients view staff as knowledgeable and well-educated, they put more trust in their physician and a practice.” OM