The Council on Clinical Optometric Care (CCOC): The American Optometric Association's Institutional-Practice Reviewer...

Area of Science:

• Optometry
• Healthcare Quality Improvement
• Clinical Practice Standards

Background:

• The Council on Clinical Optometric Care (CCOC) functioned as the institutional-practice reviewer for professional optometry for 26 years.
• The CCOC played a crucial role in shaping the landscape of optometric practice management and oversight.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact and benefits of the CCOC's accreditation process on optometric care.
• To understand the historical contribution of the CCOC to the field of optometry.

Main Methods:

• The CCOC utilized a framework of nine distinct standards for the accreditation of clinical optometric institutions.
• Accreditation involved a rigorous review process to ensure adherence to established quality benchmarks.

Main Results:

• The accreditation process yielded numerous benefits, prominently featuring improvements in patient care as a core outcome.
• Institutions accredited by the CCOC demonstrated a commitment to higher standards of clinical practice.

Conclusions:

• Over its 26-year tenure, the Council on Clinical Optometric Care (CCOC) exerted a substantial influence on the overall quality of optometric care.
• The CCOC's work established a precedent for quality assurance and continuous improvement in optometric practice.