Originally Posted by
wmcdonald
Where have you been? There is one available, and has been for years. The ABO/NCLE has completed a very specific task analysis several times, and it it repeated at a cost of thousands of dollars from time to time. But you must also remember, the same is not done for true professions. They have a specific sphere of knowledge that all must master prior to entering the profession, and come with a required education that is similar in all jurisdictions. To limit them to specific technical tasks precludes things like critical thinking and problem solving that comes with education at particular levels. An example is found in Nursing. There are AAS degree holders who are RNs, and those with Bachelor's degrees who are the managers, and perform other leadership roles both administrative and clinical. The difference in the two is found in the critical thinking/problems solving aspect of the 4-year degree. We continue to argue that even a 2-year degree is too much, but if we are to really be a profession, this is not even enough. It is not about technical proficiency, which is assumed, and must be verified with the conferral of a degree, and the passing of state licensing exams in every state. In Opticianry only 22 states offer a license, while 27 require a pulse.
Where we seem to differ is in what to do for current Opticians, and I am afraid there will be no common ground. Several on this board have tried for many years to accomplish that, and the same argument are heard, such as yours, from new folks every year who think they have an answer. I have done the research, and I can tell you, almost anyone can do what an Optician does in this country, even in licensed states. Folks can work for ODs (who pay the least of anyone, a clear indication of the value they place on us) and dispense all day without the doc being in the office in most states!
We must now focus on the future, and make some necessary changes in the field for folks who wish to enter after a specific date. It will provide help to some of the younger folks here, but folks like me, near the end of my career, will not see it happen. It will be a slow process if it ever accepted. The other direction is to simply do away with all licenses, and just let the market drive the field. That is what is happening in your state. Opticians are poorly paid and largely not proficient. You are not alomne, mind you, there are 27 just like you.....only smaller.
From your post above you must be younger, because the task analysis is well known, and been around many years. But I like the way you seek to contribute, and wish you well. Keep up the dialogue. Texas needs new blood to help them out down there. In many of my lectures there I would often look into the audience and see the "deer in the headlights" look from many......even when discussing what I felt were basic topics. Make it your quest to improve things there.
I wish you the best.
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