Understanding Board Certification in VA Optometry
Residency training in optometry has long been a central influence on the high-quality eye care delivered to our nation’s Veterans. Nearly three-quarters of VA optometrists have completed residency training, and many others have developed clinical acumen through public health or active-duty experience; representing an exceptional optometry service that underscores the VA’s commitment to clinical excellence and advanced education. As a representative body of this highly qualified workforce, the National Association of VA Optometrists (NAVAO) has consistently advocated for the establishment of Board Certification as a recognized indicator of advanced training and clinical expertise.
Modeled after the certification process in other healthcare fields such as medicine, Board Certification in optometry involves completing an accredited residency and passing a validated, standardized national examination. This certification sets a distinguished standard, aligning with the rigorous requirements seen in other disciplines of specialty care and throughout the field of medicine. With VA optometry’s inclusion in the Physician, Dentist, and Podiatrist (PDP) pay system and updated qualification standards referencing Board Certification, we have a prime opportunity to showcase the VA’s world-class and highly trained optometry workforce.
Like physicians, dentists, and podiatrists, Board Certification will not be required under the new qualification standards, but it will be a preferred credential. Human Resource specialists are encouraged to review each optometrist’s CV when conducting market pay evaluations. The market pay review form (VA Form 10-0432a) specifically includes fields applicable to residency training and Board Certification.
Compensation determinations will be made at local levels and variances across the enterprise are inevitable. Regardless, this transition fulfills the vision of NAVAO leaders who sought parity with our physician colleagues in standards of training, quality assurance, and recognition of expertise. As we now share the same compensation framework, credentials that parallel those of our physician peers, including residency training and Board Certification, naturally strengthen our standing in pay evaluations.
VA optometry has long been a leader in quality of practice, residency training, and Board Certification. As our profession advances under the PDP pay system, this milestone reaffirms our collective dedication to professional excellence and to providing the highest standard of care to America’s Veterans.
For additional information on optometry physician-pay-scale recommendations please click here.
Sincerely,
Jarett Mazzarella, OD, FAAO
President, NAVAO
Molly McGinty-Tauren, OD, FAAO
Immediate Past President, NAVAO (2021-2025)
Kevin Mercado, OD, FAAO
Past President, NAVAO (2017-2021)
Nancy Wong, OD, PhD, FAAO
Past President NAVAO (2013-2017)
Brian Kawasaki, OD, MBA, FAAO
Past President NAVAO (2009-2013)
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