Fishing for Information

**sharonm516** · 08-19-2007, 03:32 PM

Anyone know where I can get a Refractometry Course??

**Judy Canty** · 08-19-2007, 03:59 PM

Contact the OAA at www.oaa.org

**sharonm516** · 08-19-2007, 05:11 PM

thanks

**HarryChiling** · 08-19-2007, 10:36 PM

www.roatx.org

They pretty regularly have a refraction course going on in TX. Ask for Sam Johnson or David Forrest.

**tmorse** · 08-20-2007, 02:29 PM

Originally Posted by sharonm516

Anyone know where I can get a Refractometry Course??

Try Bernie Stewart at Stewart Optical Services (206) 587-2371 in Seattle Washington. He used to put on a fairly quick, yet good, Refraction Course some years ago.

**sharonm516** · 08-22-2007, 10:49 AM

Thanks to all for information. Are these offered online? I dont live anywhere near those places....so I thought it would be something held closer or online.
Thanks again!
Sharon

**HarryChiling** · 08-22-2007, 01:09 PM

sharonm516,

Refractions are a hands on thing so it would be difficult to find something online. If you were interested in trying your hand with some simulators, www.roatx.org does offer a CD with a phoropter simulator that coudl help you learn. Also you could try http://www.medrounds.org/refract/menu.htm it does also come with a retinoscopy simulator which would be usefull in the process as well, I believe it includes the tutorial and is a bit cheaper than the ROATX version. For general info on refraction you could download Myron Moe's paper from the ABO website http://www.abo-ncle.org/pdf/moe.pdf, or try the JCAHPO Learning Systems CD for simulations of various diagnostic equipment. Or try Eye Tec http://www.eyetec.net/ce/M3START.htm they have a tutorial on refractometry.

Nothing beats the real world hands on experience, if you get a chance try to catch Warren McDonald as I have heard his classes are tops.

**sharonm516** · 08-23-2007, 08:44 AM

Harry,
Again, just a wealth of information...Thanks!

**Laurie** · 08-23-2007, 07:41 PM

Hi Sharon,

We offer an online refractometry course at our college:

Hillsborough Community College
Opticianry Program
Tampa, Florida
www.hccfl.edu

You can learn how to perform a refraction, however, you will need to find chair-time to practice the sequence.

Good news: Our course is online, and it works! I have had students from California, Texas, Virginia, Columbia, Equador, and Japan! They were all successful in completing the course, and performing a subjective refraction.

Not so good news: Every student must come to Tampa (a total of 3 times) to take written and practical final exams. (although, there could be worse places to visit!)

Not so good news, cont. We are regulated by the Florida Legislature in regard to tuition...out of state tuition is higher than in-state tuition, whether the course is taken on campus or online.

Our enrollment for Fall is full, however, we will start up again in January. If the other options mentioned do not work out, give us a ring.

: )

Laurie

**HarryChiling** · 08-23-2007, 09:09 PM

Hey Laurie why don't the schools send proctors to various testing sites throughout the country? I am sure an online program with testing in various metropolitan areas would generate more interest.

**Laurie** · 08-24-2007, 11:43 AM

Hi Harry,

Sending proctors around the country was the plan at the beginning...this is how we (NFOS) envisioned it.

The problem we are finding, however, is:

A: Finding/hiring proctors around the country.
B: Budgeting to pay the proctors (as they would be considered faculty)
C: Accreditation concerns: Our accrediting body (COA) has criteria for faculty/program director credentialing, as well as the manner in which we "sign off" on competencies and learning objectives.

We do use proctors for written testing (midterms, etc.), however, at this time, we require all students, no matter where they live, to come to our campus for hands on and written finals. This way, we can state without doubt, that we have personally signed off on our students' abilities.

Although we will always welcome more students, we continue to be at full capacity, and continue to grow.

I also had an idea where students could "audit" courses, which means they are not responsible for class assignments or final exams...they receive the course content, but not the academic credit. If they don't care about the college credit, this could be a way around making the trip to Tampa at the end of each term. Tuition rates would be the same.

But C'Mon...We have Busch Gardens!

: )

Laurie