We are evaluating the roles in our department. Our docs want the imaging personnel to be able to perform ultrasonography in addition to traditional ophthalmic photography. 

I see many who perform ultrasounds in addition to photography use the term Ophthalmic Imaging specialist. What other titles accurately reflect this role? 

What title is well suited to a new trainee who is possibly new to ophthalmic photography/imaging in general who could be performing photography/ ultrasounds. 

To me "ophthalmic imaging specialist" would refer to one who has a minimum level of experience/ certifications etc...not someone new to ophthalmology.

What career path is typical for those performing Ultrasounds? Do people usually have x years in ophthalmology before migrating to performing ultrasounds?

Thoughts? Suggestions?

cynthia

Just a quick "from the hip" thought... how about something like.....

1. Ophthalmic Imager - Trainee (for the new person)

    (or possibly Ophthalmic Imaging Assistant)

2. Ophthalmic Imager     (once fully trained)

3. Ophthalmic Imaging Specialist  (once one has certification/exp)

I agree with you that the term 'specialist' should be used only once a certain level of certification/ experience has been achieved.

Just my 2 cents....

Gary

I assume you are talking about B-scan US, which takes quite a bit of knowledge and skill, as it is a dynamic test.   It's certainly not for an inexperienced person in Ophthalmology. 

There is a generic term that has been around in Ophthalmology for some time -  "Special Tests" encompasses the various diagnostic tests done in Ophthalmology.    While it's not a very fancy title, it would be appropriate to call someone who administers a variety of ophthalmic tests as a Special Test Technician. 

As I have espoused for well over two decades now, it is my opinion that the modern ophthalmic imager broaden their thinking to include ALL forms of ophthalmic imaging.  More and more this includes metrics.  I am speaking of corneal topography, scheimpflug imaging of the cornea, diagnostic A and B ultrasound, immersion ultrasound biometry.  Inasmuch as many of the "technical" tests that we perform include some form of imaging ( in essence, a visual field is an "image" of the communication between eye and brain ) 

It is equally difficult, if not more so, to perform a competent corneal topography as it is to do OCT or color fundus imaging.

Entry level "imager" for the Ophthalmic Diagnostic Center I manage would include all of the above.  Our imagers are equally capable of performing ICG as they are advanced biometry for post refractive cases.   

In this manner, they insure their viability and "employability" in any venue they choose.

I have often received much good natured ribbing about the initials after my name.   If I choose to, there would be about 4 more I might collect that would be relevent to my world at this time ( OCT-C being one of them...)

To perform ophthalmic ultrasound, corneal topography, corneal hysterisis it is not necessary to have any initials, in the same way that the BULK of ophthalmic imagers out in the clinical world are also not sporting a CRA nor OCT-C.  Alas, that is the reality of it.

It is the job of the OPS, JCAPHO, ATPO, etc etc to promote the value of being certified.  Bottom line, it has to come from within the individual.

I have an ROUB.  This is probably the one "certification" that carries the most weight.  It's a Registration, not a certification ( Registered Ophthalmic Ultrasound Biometrist) and more importantly, the work that I do as a biometrist has a DIRECT bearing on the well being of the patient.

If I take lousy pictures, generally speaking, the patient will still get the proper mangement.  If I do incorrect biometry, the patient will have to have an IOL explant or some other form of corrective surgery.  This is not to say that I do not value excellent imaging.  I do, but give other forms of ophthalmic diagnostics their equal respect.

The CDOS after my name stands for Certified Diagnostic Ophthalmic Sonographer.  This is the label that covers me for diagnostic B scan.   Generally speaking, most ophthalmic imagers do not do this form of ultrasound for a myriad of reasons.  The strongest ones being that with the DOING of the test comes the responsibility of INTERPRETING the outcome real time.   So, as a rule, most physicians are not comfortable delegating this procedure to an untrained person.

Diagnostic sonographers/biometrists at the ODC must do an extensive internship with myself and my co worker ( an Ophthalmologist trained in Russia) for well over a year before being handed the reins unattended.

Hope this helps.  Happy to discuss further with you off line.

Denice Barsness