FIAOMC Protocol
PREPARATION
- Read the study guide's objectives
- Suggest purchase of FIAOMC Examination Primer
QUALIFICATONS TO APPLY
Mandatory Prerequisites:
- Must have attained the IACMM.
- Must provide proof of fitting 50 OrthoK.
- Must have been an IAOMC member for the last 2 continuous years
- Must have attended one IAOMC section meeting within last 3 years
- Must own or have access to a topographer and biometer
- If the candidate is a member of the IAOMC-Asia, they must hold the rank of SIAOA (senior member of the IAOAMC-Asia) before they may apply to take the FIAOMC test.
- You are applying for the FIAOMC within your own section or have been granted an exception by your section's fellowship chair.
SKILLS REQUIRED TO ATTAIN AN FIAOMC
Lens Design:
- Candidate must be able to design and fit using fully modifiable software or a minimum of two OrthoK manufacturers.
- If the preferred lens designs are not fully adjustable, the candidate must be familiar with at least one fully modifiable software program and explain how modifications to each lens parameter can affect the treatment.
- Candidate must be able to demonstrate how and why one would manipulate each of the curves of an OrthoK lens when designing and troubleshooting.
- If the candidate's manufacturer of choice does not allow manipulation of all curves, the participant must be able to demonstrate the ability to alter a fit on a theoretical lens by modifying the various parameters.
Topographic maps:
- Possess comprehensive knowledge of every type of topographic map and scales.
- Candidate must explain the rationale for using specific map(s) in prefit, post-fit analysis, and troubleshooting.
Complex designs:
- Candidate must be able to present and evaluate complex cases that highlight advanced decisionmaking and troubleshooting skills. Complex cases include but are not limited to a significantly decentered treatment in any direction, central corneal abrasion, real or fake central island, oblique or against the rule astigmatism, mixed astigmatism, a cornea that resists molding, or 2+ superficial SPK. Troubleshooting
- Candidate must be able to troubleshoot a case and anticipate problems with the outcome before designing (including myopia control).
- Recognize all treatment complications, their causes, and remedies.
Myopia Control
Be able to explain the differences between an orthokeratology lens designed for myopia refractive
correction vs myopia control.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Pretest and oral interview
- Pay application fee
- Pass with 85% the oral pre-test
- Submit the FIAOMC Application Case Questionnairee
FIAOMC APPLICATION CASE
FIAOMC Application Case questionnaire
- Before submitting any cases, candidate must complete a questionnaire regarding the case they plan to submit with the application (see attached)
- The FIAOMC Chair will review.
- If the case questionnaire is accepted – the FIAOMC chair will direct the candidate to prepare Case 1 in full
- If the case questionnaire is not accepted – the FIAOMC chair will direct the candidate to submit a new case questionnaire from a different case, do not complete Case 1 until directed.
- Prepare and submit your Case 1 in full with the attached template.
- The FIAOMC chair will evaluate
- If the case meets standards and no feedback is needed – the FIAOMC chair will direct the candidate to go forward to testing (see below) and balance of the full application fee is payable. This fee is nonrefundable.
- If the case needs some tutoring and feedback – the FIAOMC chair will provide some feedback. The amount will be determined by each section.
- If the case does not meet standards – the FIAOMC chair will provide feedback and direct the candidate to appropriate study materials. The candidate must wait six months (or until the next section intake) to reapply.
TESTING PROCESS - 3 PARTS
PART 1: MULTIPLE CHOICE: (one proctor will grade the test)
- Candidate passes with 85% or greater, go on to case submissions.
- Candidate will be allowed one repeat test if they failed on the first attempt.
- The exam takes between 1.5-2 hours to complete.
PART 2: CANDIDATE-SUBMITTED CASES (MINIMUM OF 2 PROCTORS WILL EVALUATE THE CASES)
- Each section has the flexibility to require as many cases as they feel is necessary to determine the candidate’s abilities.
- They can choose to use only the Application (Case 1) or request 1-2 additional cases.
- The review process is the same as for Case 1.
- The candidate will be questioned about each submitted case, and should allow 1-1.5 hours.
- The candidate needs to pass with 85% to go on to the part 3.
PART 3: IAOMC CASES (MINIMUM OF 2 PROCTORS WILL EVALUATE THE ANSWERS)
- This test consists of several slides and cases. Each case is assigned points. The examiner will determine the number of points earned for each question.
- The examiners are encouraged to discuss each case with the candidate to obtain additional information from the candidate.
- The candidate will need to score 85% to pass this section. Candidate should allow up to one hour to complete this.
SCORING
- The candidate must attain a score of 85% or greater on each of the three sections in order to be granted the FIAOMC.
- If a candidate does not attain a score of 85% on all 3 parts, they do not pass and must reapply paying the full fee upon reapplication.
AFTER OBTAINING FIAOMC
Fellows are allowed to use the title FIAOMC provided they:
- retain FULL membership continuously.
- If membership lapses, Fellow must submit proof of membership to be reinstated.
- attend an IAOMC section meeting at least once every three years.
- remain in good standing.