How Can I Stay in the Loop?

[eyecarepro]

I want to keep my ABO credits up to date. My ABOC expires December, 2002. Are there any opinions as to what would be both the most time effecient and most cost effective for someone who works long (mall) retail hours and goes to school on the side? I'm starting to wonder if it would be better to just go and take the exam over again. But then I wouldn't get the chance to learn all the newest, cutting, edge technology that the seminars have to offer. Aren't there websites that make obtaining ABO credits easier? Are there any training seminars or lectures that would possibly get me ALL my credits in one fell swoop? I have a little over a year to get all twelve of my credits, am I cutting it too close?
Also, I've ALWAYS wanted to go to a Vision Expo meeting, but I can never find the time between work and school. Some of my fellow classmates have gone to some. I really feel like I'm missing out. I wouldn't want to go alone. Unfortunately I don't know anyone I work with (3-4 people) that would be interested in setting aside some time to go to one with me. I have yet to hear of any meeting in or around the area I live in. Unless you count Richmond, Va., but that's about 150 miles south of me. Is there a website or newsletter that has a summary of each Vision Expo available? I'm really curious as to what goes on at these conventions. I know 20/20 has a few exerpts of some of the conventions that take place.

Oh, and by the way- the prompt and informative replies to my previous post were greatly appreciated!

[Jo]

eyecarepro:

Check out this OptiBoard thread:
Education and Professional Organizations > Distance Learning in Optical Education

It contains some posts from Roy R. Ferguson, Charter Oak State College, and some links to other Distance Learning programs. You have been in optics for 4 years so the Charter Oak program maybe something that you could look into. Not only would you stay in the loop but you could work towards an Associates Degree.

:) Jo

[chip anderson]

They have lots of cheap courses that you just read the article they send you and you answer the questions and send them in.

Chip

[Cindy Hamlin]

the Virginia optician's Association is having a fall educational conference. Here is the link:http://www.vaopticians.org/convention.htm

There are lots of ABO credits.


Also, there is a site called opticaltraining.com. Here is the link:
http://opticaltraining.com/. They offer credits at $33 per credit hour. Many of our licenses use it. It even has a section for NY licenses to get their credits.

Check them out!

[CuriousCat]

That's what I get for staying away on the weekends.

There are 11 ABO/NCLE hours available at our Fall Insight and the price is right! Opticianry students can join OAV for nothing and attend Insight at member prices, $85.00 for the weekend, including lunch on Saturday, if you register and join OAV, before Sept. 5th. I'll bring more information on Thursday night...