NORA announced that the Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Skills Development Program started at our 1997 annual meeting in San Diego, California.
The program was developed for the membership of NORA to initiate, develop and support the highest level of competence in clinical abilities and scientific knowledge in the field of Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation. This process leads to a fellowship within NORA. It is not a certification process. It is a growth process designed to enhance the clinical competency of health care providers who treat patients who have suffered traumatic brain injury or neurological insults.
While the program is currently undergoing restructuring, the curriculum committee is committed to the original goals as developed by Drs. William Ludlam and Thomas Politzer. It is a multi-level program to enhance knowledge and skills of those working in the fields of rehabilitation. The Clinical Skills Development Program is chaired by Drs. Susan Wenberg and Carl Garbus.
Upon completion of the requirements of all three levels, participants will be presented with the designation of FNORA- Fellow of the Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association.
Individuals may attend the Level 1 or Level II pre-conference (both are 2 days) without enrolling in a program leading to fellowship. Simply enroll and pay the course fee. The pre-conference sessions have excellent educational value. Should an individual later decide to pursue the fellowship he/she may then submit an application for the skills development program, and pay the application fee (see below).
The fellowship involves completing all parts of Levels I through III. The requirements are explained in detail below. They include passing a written test, a 12 minute presentation associated with Level I, a case history presentation, two written case histories, and a peer-review publication. There is a time limitation for completion of the fellowship program.
To start the Skills Development Curriculum process leading to fellowship a participant must:
be a member in good standing with NORA and remain current on dues during the entire process.
submit an application for the skills development program to the NORA Curriculum Committee (Application to the Skills Development process can be found on the website). The application fee is $300.00
Complete Levels I and II and begin the process of publishing within the context of the Level III program, all within 5 years.
