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Welcome to the Contact Lens Society of America University! The world of contact lenses is exciting, interesting, rewarding, and changing every day. Whether you’re new to the industry or have been involved for decades, there is a constant need for education at every level.
The CLSA University has developed four separate levels of education that are based on the course content and an assumption of previous knowledge on the part of the student. While you may go to any level you choose, we encourage you to find the one that best fits your own level of experience.
We’ve prepared some questions to help you find your individual level of entry into the system. While we understand that there will be overlap between the various levels, ask yourself the questions in each level to determine which one most accurately describes your individual needs.
"Introduction to Contact Lenses"
Welcome to the Introductory Level of the CLSA University. We are excited that you have taken this first step into the exciting world of contact lenses! This is the place for you to begin your contact lens education if you answer "yes" to most of the following questions:
- Have you been in the contact lens or eye care industry less than one year?
- Do you work in a support position in the field of eye care?
- Are you uncertain about the definition of the terms "myopia," "GP lens," "sclera"?
- Are you not sure of where the cornea is located?
- Are you unfamiliar with the slit lamp?
- Is this the first formal training you will have received in contact lenses, eye care or optics?
Level One "Fundamentals of Contact Lenses"
Do you want to become National Contact Lens Examiner’s (NCLE) Certified? Well, this is the place for you! Level One of the CLSA University is the perfect place to help you prepare for this type of exam or simply to expand your knowledge more specifically in the field of contact lenses. It is also the right educational experience for those students who can answer "yes" to most of the following questions:
- Have you been in the contact lens industry for more than one year?
- Do you fit soft contact lenses on a regular basis?
- Are you familiar with the terms "transposition," "sclera," and "presbyopia"?
- Are you familiar with using a keratometer and slit lamp?
- Can you name the five layers of the cornea?
- Have you received other formal training in the field of contact lenses, eye care or optics?
Level Two "Advanced Contact Lens Professional"
Congratulations on reaching Level Two of the CLSA University! Your dedication to the field of contact lenses is obvious due to the fact that you have attained this level of the University. If you are preparing to take the NCLE Advanced Exam, or an equivalent advanced exam specifically aimed at contact lenses, this level will provide valuable support to your education. Consider continuing with this level if you can answer "yes" to most of the following questions:
- Have you been in the contact lens industry for not less than two years (preferably three years)?
- Do you fit toric soft contact lenses?
- Do you fit spherical gas permeable lenses?
- Can you describe the unique functions of the five layers of the cornea?
- Are you familiar with the terms "monovision," "blepharitis," and "bitoric"?
- Can you verify the parameters of a spherical GP lens?
- Are you NCLE Certified?
Level Three "Graduate Studies"
Congratulations on reaching the highest level of the Contact Lens Society of America University! This level of the CLSA University is designed for those who wish to achieve Fellow status or an equivalent, or have already achieved an elite status in the contact lens industry. It may be your level if you can answer "yes" to most of the following questions:
- Have you been actively fitting contact lenses of all types for more than ten years?
- Do you fit all types of soft and gas permeable lens designs including specialty designs in both materials?
- Do you currently educate others in the field of contact lenses?
- Can you identify individual layers of the cornea with the slit lamp?
- Are you familiar with the terms "bandage lens," "pellucid marginal degeneration," and "reverse geometry design"?
- Can you verify and modify GP contact lenses?
- Are you NCLE Advanced Certified?