Press Release for 2024 Newly-Certified Fellows and COVTs

OVDRA offers optometrists and vision therapists the opportunity to become certified in vision development, vision therapy, and vision rehabilitation. The Board certification process is administered by the International Examination and Certification Board of the Optometric Vision Development & Rehabilitation Association.

The Value of Certification Through OVDRA

OVDRA offers optometrists and vision therapists the opportunity to become board certified in vision development, vision therapy, and vision rehabilitation. The certification process is administered by the International Examination and Certification Board (IECB).   The IECB works to ensure that, for everyone, the process is psychometrically sound, legally defensible, and consistent with OVDRA’s nonprofit and tax-exempt purposes and missions.

The OVDRA certification program is designed to encourage professional growth through a collegial process.  For OVDRA, this process is not new, but is ever evolving.  Over 10 years ago, the IECB became an autonomous board from the OVDRA Board of Directors to ensure there was no bias in the process.  The IECB has sole and independent authority in all matters pertaining to certification in advanced competency in vision therapy and rehabilitation, including standard setting, exam development and administration, and disciplinary action, separate from the OVDRA membership organization. Their procedures are peer-reviewed, with assessment tools that include uniformed and analyzed written exams as well as a team-review of written questions and case reports and a panel-administered oral interview. This process is further enhanced by encouraging continuous learning; those who have achieved OVDRA certification are required to continue their competency through maintenance of certification (MOC) driven by education, leadership, proof of valid licensure, and a standard attestation of best practices every 5 years.

As members of the Institute of Credentialing Excellence, OVDRA aligns its programming with accreditation standards set forth by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) and the Assessment-based Certificate Accreditation Program (ACAP). OVDRA is proud to employ 2 certification specialists on staff who have demonstrated their knowledge into the eco-system of certification from a program's conception, through its development and delivery, to maintenance and renewal.

Every year the members of the fellowship committee and IECB work tirelessly to ensure candidates for fellowship have met the guidelines TO THE LEVEL that is expected of a Fellow of OVDRA or a COVT.

In contrast, certification is a designation by an organization or corporation to show that one has completed a set course and possibly passed an exam. Many members of OVDRA may have some of these other certifications, including, “HIPAA Certified, CPR Certified,” or even certification that one has undergone training to fit a specific contact lens.

Members of the public as well as other health care professionals, can be assured that the attainment of an FOVDR or a COVT means that one has demonstrated advanced competency in providing care as related to vision development and rehabilitation.

How to Use Your Professional Designation

As an active certified constituent, you are able to utilize your credential as part of your professional signatures. We suggest the order of degree, licensure and then your certifications!

Fellow

COVT

Fellowship Certification for Optometrists

You can begin the Fellowship program anytime following completion of your optometric degree. When you enroll in the Fellowship process, you have up to four years to complete it. A Fellowship certification Guide, study materials and a mentor are available to assist you in the process.

An Academic Fellowship program is open to optometric or visual science educators and researchers. Candidates are evaluated on the basis of their published research in the areas of functional and behavioral vision care. At least five published papers, along with an essay of the applicant’s major research interest must be submitted for evaluation.

Certified Optometric Vision Therapist

Vision therapists employed by Fellows are eligible to become Certified Optometric Vision Therapists (COVT). The process involves submitting responses to a series of Guided Study Open Book Questions on various clinical topics, and successfully completing a multiple choice written examination and oral interview.

Wondering what the Certification process is like?

Starting in 2017, the OVDRA blog, Mindsight, has been reaching out to newly-certified Fellows and COVTs to learn the stories behind their careers paths, decisions to pursue certification, and journeys through the entire process. We call the series "My Why" and offer it as an informal addition to the guides presented on the pages above. Where the Fellowship and COVT Certification Guides provide the details and process, "My Why" can help you gain a clearer understanding of what others have learned, achieved, and overcome. Make their stories a part of your own and enjoy the benefits of an insider's perspective!