Dear OP,

■ I enjoy reading Ophthalmic Professional and find many of the articles extremely interesting and helpful in my profession. I was anxious to read the article written by Elizabeth Holloway, PHR, CPSS titled “Credentialing can comfort patients.”

Although I agree that it is important for staff to “talk up” their physicians, it is just as important for physicians to “talk up” their staff, support certification for technicians and encourage continuing education for their staff. As a proud COMT, I have worked many years to acquire and increase my technical skills and continue to spend many hours pursuing continuing education in my field.

At our University of Michigan ophthalmic center, we display the certificates of all the technicians proudly. Patients realize they are in good hands when not only the physician possesses the highest credentials, but his or her support staff do as well.

Thank you,

Carol J. Pollack-Rundle, BS, COMTOphthalmic Technician Education Coordinator
W. K. Kellogg Eye Center

Thank you for your letter — You and I are in agreement. While my column focused on the doctor’s credentials, we encourage the promotion of staff professionalism to patients. Because certification is available for both non-clinical and clinical staff members, we recommend that practices endorse staff education, certification, and credentialing at all levels.

Please, let me know if you have any questions.

—Elizabeth Holloway, PHR, CPSS