Justin Cooper , 2025-05-06 17:16:00
Key takeaways:
- The American Academy of Optometric Medicine and Surgery added several procedures to its qualification list.
- Optometrists in 20 states can now potentially become fellows.
More optometrists now have the opportunity to become a fellow of the American Academy of Optometric Medicine and Surgery, with the addition of several procedures to its potential qualifications.
“This is recognizing excellence in eye care in what we do so well,” Nate Lighthizer, OD, FAAO, FAAOMS, told Healio. “Optometry should be bragging on what optometry does.”
Now, fellowship applicants could qualify if they have completed at least one of the following categories of procedures:
- six or more YAG capsulotomies;
- five or more laser peripheral iridotomies;
- five or more YAG laser vitreolysis procedures;
- six or more laser trabeculoplasties;
- four or more chalazion incision and curettage procedures; or
- three or more eyelid lesion removals.
Previously, optometrists could qualify as a fellow if they had performed a certain number of YAG capsulotomies, laser peripheral iridotomies or laser trabeculoplasty procedures.
“That expands us beyond just the 14 laser states,” Lighthizer said. “There are 20 states that allow injections, chalazion management and eyelid procedures, so this expands to other states for doctors to be able to get their FAAOMS.”
In addition to expanding its potential qualifications, AAOMS recently hired Callie McAtee as a part-time executive director “to help expand our social media outreach and day-to-day operations,” Lighthizer said.
The organization currently has 25 fellows, according to its website.
“Doctors can go on our website and take a look at this,” Lighthizer said. “This is something that shows the excellence of what optometry does in regard to surgical and laser procedures, getting your fellowship in the AAOMS.
“It is a feather in the cap of optometry, similar to the FAAO from the American Academy of Optometry, that recognizes additional achievement in the optometric community. Optometrists are experts in laser procedures and in-office surgical procedures, and getting your FAAOMS recognizes excellence in performing these procedures that optometry does so well.”
References:
For more information:
Nate Lighthizer, OD, FAAO, FAAOMS, can be reached at lighthiz@nsuok.edu.
