How to Choose Optometry CE That Actually Improves Patient Care
Continuing education is required
- but not all CE actually makes you a better clinician.
Most optometrists can recall at least one course that checked a box but didn’t change how they practice.
Others walk away from a lecture with immediate, actionable takeaways that show up in clinic the very next week.
So how do you tell the difference?
Whether you’re early in your career or decades into practice, here are the key factors to consider when choosing optometry CE that genuinely improves patient care.
1. Start With Clinical Relevance, Not Credit Hours
COPE credit is essential, but credit alone should not be the deciding factor.
High-quality CE should help you:
• Make better clinical decisions
• Understand why certain approaches work
• Confidently manage conditions you actually see in practice
Ask yourself:
• Will this help me with patients I saw this week?
• Does this address real diagnostic or management challenges?
• Can I apply this without needing new equipment or major workflow changes?
The most valuable CE connects theory directly to real-world care.
2. Look for Breadth and Depth Across Core Eye Care Topics
Modern optometry requires comfort across many areas, not just one niche.
Strong CE offerings cover a wide range of clinically relevant topics, allowing you to fill gaps and stay current as standards evolve.
High-value subject areas often include:
• Dry eye disease
• Myopia management
• Glaucoma
• Oral pharmaceuticals
• Opioid and pain-management education
• Practice management
• Contact lenses
• Retina
• Keratoconus and irregular cornea
Access to CE across multiple disciplines allows you to tailor learning to your patient population - not just what’s trending.
3. Prioritize Case-Based and Practical Learning
One of the biggest differences between good and great CE is how the information is delivered.
Case-based education:
• Mirrors real clinical decision-making
• Shows how experts think through complex cases
• Helps bridge the gap between guidelines and reality
If the CE helps you answer “What would I do next?” — it’s doing its job.
4. Faculty Credibility Matters
A polished slide deck is nice, but expertise matters more.
Strong CE is typically taught by:
• Clinically active optometrists
• Subject-matter experts
• Educators who understand everyday practice constraints
Transparent faculty credentials are a sign of trustworthy education.
5. Free CE Can Still Be High Quality
There’s a misconception that free CE equals low value. That’s not necessarily true.
Well-designed free CE can:
• Remove access barriers
• Encourage broader participation
• Support lifelong learning without financial pressure
Cost does not determine quality - content does.
6. Choose CE That Fits Your Schedule and Learning Style
Busy clinicians need flexibility.
Look for CE that:
• Is available on demand
• Is easy to navigate
• Respects your time
7. Ask One Final Question Before Enrolling
Before committing to any CE, ask yourself:
Will this make me more confident the next time I see a challenging patient?
If yes, it’s worth your time.
Final Thoughts
Optometry CE should do more than satisfy a requirement. The best education improves patient outcomes,
strengthens clinical confidence, and supports growth across multiple areas of eye care.
