End of Year Reminders

As 2019 draws to a close, we want to make sure you are on top of all MOC requirements and provide some tips for catching up if you are a little behind. Whether you are finishing a current 3-year MOC cycle this year or are in the middle of one, being ahead of the game always makes it easier when that deadline comes into view. To help you plan for the end of 2019 and start 2020 on the right foot, be sure to follow the tips outlined below.

• When entering CE, you do NOT have to enter each individual course if the CE was obtained at an event. For example, if you attend a state association meeting or Optometry’s Meeting and take multiple CE courses, you only need to make one entry for that event and list the total hours taken. This should save considerable time when entering your CE into Learning Builder.
• Entering CE on a regular basis will ensure you always have an up-to-date picture of where you stand with meeting requirements. It also makes the task much less daunting than entering CE all at once at the end of an MOC cycle and trying to remember what you took two – three years ago.
• If you are short on CE, here are some resources to help.
  • ABO currently has 4 webinars worth 2 COPE-approved CE hours each available on our website at www.staging.abo.flywheelsites.com. Click the webinars link at the top right of the page to view the choices and watch the webinars. To earn 2 hours of COPE-approved CE, simply pass the short 20 question quiz after the webinar.
  • Optocase offers multiple online courses for a nominal fee. COPE credit ranges from 2-4 CE hours depending on the course. You can view the course list and purchase courses at www.optocase.com.
  • SECO University offers a range of both free and nominal fee CE course at www.secouniversity.com.
  • Community for Vision offer several free online CE courses at https://communityforvision.com/free-online-continuing-education-resources/.
• SAMs can be completed at any time during your 3-year MOC cycle. We have 14 SAM topics available in our library and you need to complete 2 during each 3-year MOC cycle. If needed, you can even complete 2 SAMs in one day.
• The Quality Improvement Activity (QIA) takes approximately 10 – 15 minutes to complete. The QIA can be based on any MOC activity completed during your 3-year cycle. This can be an ABO sponsored webinar, a CE course, a SAM, a CAP assessment or a PPM if you opted to complete one. Be sure to complete your QIA several days before your MOC is due so that ABO staff has time to review and approve the QIA. For more information on QIAs click here.
• CAP assessments become available on January 15^th, May 15^th and September 15^th. You can access and print the resources on the first day each assessment is available. You then have 4 months to complete the 25 questions. Starting early helps to ensure you do not rush through the references. Reading the references is essential to passing the assessments. Pay attention to email reminders to make sure you complete each CAP assessment on time. Reminders are sent once a month and two weeks prior to the assessment deadline.
• Take a moment to confirm we have your correct email address. If we do not, you are missing out on everything from important reminders, to program updates and payment notices.
• If you are due to complete an MOC cycle at the end of 2019, please make sure your MOC payments are up-to-date. You will not move ahead to a new 3-year cycle if payments are not current.
• If you are behind in your MOC and afraid you will not be able to catch up by the end of the year, please call or email our office to discuss options for maintaining your certification.