Ophthalmic imaging has helped transform the diagnosis and treatment of various eye conditions. In recent years, ocular imaging equipment and capabilities have seen continued evolution, highlighting the importance of keeping up with “what’s new.” Recent advances include widefield retinal imaging, optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiography, swept-source OCT, and more.

Involvement in the Ophthalmic Photographers’ Society (OPS), a non-profit organization dedicated to medical photography in the field of ophthalmology, can help ophthalmic photographers and technicians continue to advance.

The eye imaging experts

The OPS has a tagline of the “eye imaging experts,” says Darrin A. Landry, CRA, OCT-C, who serves on the OPS Board of Education and is manager of Diagnostic Imaging at Eyecare Medical Group in Portland, ME. In other words, says Mr. Landry, the modalities of imaging that the OPS focuses on run the gamut — fundus imaging, OCT, angiography, slit lamp, and more.

“OPS members have been instrumental in stimulating the development of new and improved techniques and equipment. The photographers who make up the organization are constantly providing and seeking new education so that they can push the envelope both in academia and in the field in general,” says Mr. Landry, an OPS member for 28 years. “In fact, imaging device manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, and clinical trial reading centers have recognized the unique skill set that ophthalmic photographers bring and actively recruit imagers as consultants and employees.”

Because imaging technology has evolved at such rapid pace, keeping current can be challenging on one’s own. But the OPS provides educational programing, meetings, networking, social media, and other ways to remain current and knowledgeable. While practices formerly had dedicated ophthalmic photographers, these days, the responsibilities often fall on the techs, who wear other hats as well. Involvement in the OPS helps ensure that they are keeping up with everything they ought to know about ophthalmic photography.

Robert W. Cavicchi, CRA, FOPS, manager of Ophthalmic Imaging at Joslin Diabetes Center at Harvard and vice president of the OPS Board of Directors, says that ensuring ophthalmic technicians are well-trained in photography is imperative to the proper diagnosis and treatment of eye conditions in private practice. This is especially important when one considers the staffing patterns of many of today’s practices.

“We don’t see dedicated photographers as much anymore,” Mr. Cavicchi says. “With technicians being responsible for different roles within the practice, we want to ensure that photography is valued — and given the training and attention it deserves. Taking advantage of education and training opportunities can help prevent being a jack of all trades but master of none. Ophthalmic photography is too important for that.”

Education and training

Educational and training opportunities are a key draw to the OPS. The programs specialize in state-of-the-art instruction on new imaging systems, techniques, interpretation, patient care, and more.

Mr. Landry says that a large portion of the educational opportunities also lie within the organization’s online libraries, which include training in many areas including fundus photography, OCT, angiography, ultrasound, OCT angiography, anterior segment imaging, artificial intelligence, and fundus autofluorescence, to name a few. The website has more than 50 webinars that are “on demand” and constantly evaluated and updated, so that it is always the “latest and greatest information available.” They host renowned speakers and have monthly “Webinar Wednesdays” on various topics.

Mr. Landry adds that, as the field has evolved, the OPS has evolved with it.

The OPS is also the only organization providing certification in the fields of fundus photography, angiography, and OCT imaging.

“Because we have a board of certification, our certifying process ensures that candidates are held to the highest standards,” Mr. Landry says. “Not only will that help the careers of those who become certified, but it also provides employers and patients with peace of mind. When I’m interviewing someone as a manager and I see that they are certified through the OPS, I already know they come with a higher-level skill set.”

Becoming certified is a step-by-step process that ultimately culminates with an accepted portfolio submission and written test. It takes time — as it should — but it’s a gratifying process, Mr. Landry says. “The time to certification will vary depending on the individual, but I have mentored several people through certification, and in those cases, it has taken, on average, six to eight months to complete the process,” he explains.

Pursuing a certification is sometimes self-motivated — and sometimes required (or at least encouraged) by a private practice.

“In some cases, technicians might earn a raise by becoming certified,” says Mr. Cavicchi. “Other times, it might even be a requirement to be hired. Some practices might expect to see this level of certification for an ophthalmic photographer position. No matter what, it definitely provides a way to easily evaluate an individual’s skill level. If they come in with this accreditation, you already know what they’re capable of doing.”

The networking opportunities are also powerful.

“If I have a question or am struggling with something, there are literally a thousand people I can turn to for help,” Mr. Landry says. “That is honestly one of the most significant benefits I have gotten out of this organization. You’re never on your own.”

Getting the word out

Both Mr. Cavicchi and Mr. Landry call the OPS an “underutilized resource,” expressing that they often hear new members say that for a long time, they hadn’t realized it existed.

“We are really trying to focus on getting the word out and letting techs and dedicated photographers know that we are here for them,” Mr. Landry says. “The recent staffing shortages have led some practices to hire people from outside of the industry, and we can be a huge resource as far as educating and training those new people. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel — we’ve been doing this a long time and can help.”

Mr. Cavicchi says that involvement in the OPS is beneficial to the individual, the employer, and most importantly, the patient: “The amount of knowledge and value that is available through the OPS is abundant. With better photography, better evaluations and diagnoses can be made, which helps to improve patient care. In the end, that’s what it’s all about.” OP