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AOA supports vision testing for drivers’ licensing, renewal
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DENVER – The American Optometric Association’s House of Delegates passed seven resolutions here at Optometry’s Meeting, one of which involves drivers’ licensing.
“The AOA and the affiliated associations continue to advocate that the laws and/or regulations of every state provide suitable and adequate vision testing for a driver’s license, which shall be given prior to initial licensing and thereafter upon each license renewal.”
The AOA also urged strengthening of optometric education through two resolutions. One supports the “fair and verifiable application of accreditation standards, including those for new programs,” and recognizes the independence of the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education in enforcing the standards. The other reinforced the establishment of the AOA Education Center, “as the leader in the delivery of postgraduate education by providing high quality content on an ongoing basis to AOA members.”
Two resolutions addressed part 3 of the optometry licensing exam. One encourages the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) to reform part 3 of the exam, “to place greater emphasis on testing cognitive skills, interpersonal communication and clinical decision making in standard and novel patient encounters and less emphasis on testing motor skills.” The AOA also called on the NBEO to reduce financial burdens associated with taking part 3 of the exam.
Another resolution resolved that the AOA would collaborate with HHS, FDA CDC, the Office of National Drug Control Policy and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to fight opioid abuse.
A final resolution recommended that AOA Nominating Committee members be past presidents or current board members of their associations. – by Nancy Hemphill, ELS, FAAO