Aug. 11, 2021 — The VSP Global Premier Program has released a new continuing education course, “A Closer Look at Diabetes for Optometrists,” in its Focus on Diabetes series, available to all VSP-network doctors at no cost through Premier Academy360. 

The course was developed exclusively for VSP-network O.D.s by the American Diabetes Association (ADA), and is a continuation of the partnership between VSP and ADA.

“Doctors of optometry serve a critical role in providing comprehensive care to the more than 122 million Americans living with diabetes and prediabetes,” says VSP Global chief network officer Michelle Skinner. “By continuing to offer new and engaging education through the Focus on Diabetes series, we can better support VSP-network doctors and their important work to save sight through the prevention and treatment of diabetic eye disease.”

The new course, which focuses on considerations for identifying and treating individuals with diabetic retinopathy and other diabetes-related conditions, recent advancements in the treatment of both diabetes and its ocular sequelae, and more, is presented by Sherrol Reynolds, O.D., FAAO; Tina Mac Donald, O.D., CDCES, FAAO; and John Cain, MSPAS, PA-C. 

VSP-network doctors have the option to access the course at their own pace via on-demand modules, or via a live, one-hour webinar on Sept. 16 at 9 a.m. PT and Nov. 18 at noon PT.

By completing the course, O.D.s can earn 60 points towards a total of 135 points needed per location to earn an ADA Badge on the VSP.com Find a Doctor Directory, which the company shares was used more than one million times per month in 2020. In addition, all doctors who earn the ADA badge receive a complimentary membership to the ADA (a $300+ value).

VSP shares that O.D.s. can also access two new courses from diabetes eye health experts Paul Chous, MA, O.D., FAAO, and Jeffry D. Gerson, O.D., FAAO, to earn points towards the ADA badge.

In addition to the CE offerings, VSP has worked with the ADA to produce a three-part educational series and pocket guide to support other health care providers in understanding the importance of eye exams for patients living with or at-risk for diabetes.