ST. LOUIS--“To meet the needs of time-constrained optometrists and their support staff,” according to an announcement last week, the American Optometric Association’s paraoptometric section is launching a new Online Paraoptometric Training-Navigator (OPT-N) program designed to provide training for paraoptometric staff through the AOA Web site at www.aoa.org/OPT-N.xml.

The new program will be offered free to AOA paraoptometric section members for the first six months of 2009.

The OPT-N program is a skills-focused training format for use by individuals new to paraoptometry. Its intent is to increase the knowledge base for new support staff before they receive on-the-job training from the optometrist, according to the AOA, which said the OD will then be able to increase time with patients and decrease time spent on staff training.

The first phase of the program focuses on new staff, with 13 modules on topics including an introduction to paraoptometry; basic terminology; front-office procedures; and others.

Each module is approximately 30 minutes long: 20 minutes of instruction followed by 10 minutes of review questions. All are in PowerPoint format with audio, and can be sued for at-home study.

“The OPT-N program is designed to provide improved time management for ODs and higher productivity of new optometric staff in the initial phases of employment. In addition, [it] can increase staff efficiency and job satisfaction,” the AOA announcement said.

The program is made possible by grants from Essilor of America and The Vision Care Institute.