A Vision Therapist's 10-Year Reflection: The Real Meaning of Certification

Truly, time is fleeting, and the years pass so quickly. It seems like just last week that I received the phone call during COVD in Las Vegas telling me I had passed my certification process and was officially a Certified Optometric Vision Therapist. I remember the overwhelming sense of relief and accomplishment—and the joy of turning to my wife and telling her I had made it. But that moment wasn’t “just last week”; it was more than 10 years ago, and time has only continued to fly.

I remember the late nights of study, the countless books, and the challenge of absorbing so much new information. Yet I also recall the excitement of discovery—the “Oh, wow!” moments when vision therapy came alive and complex concepts finally made sense. I loved diving deeper into the field I felt so fortunate to join. Hart, Marsden, Brock, and many others became more than tools or activities; they became historical giants of Optometry whose work had shaped the profession far beyond my previous understanding. Vision therapy became richer and more meaningful as I immersed myself in anything that would help me grow as a therapist and better serve those around me.

I remain deeply grateful to my doctor, Benjamin Winters, for bringing leading experts into our clinic. The time spent learning from Curtis Baxstrom, W.C. Maples, and especially Bob and Linda Sanet was incredibly formative in my early career.

And now, in 2025, I’ve received a gentle reminder that it’s my year to ensure my Maintenance of Certification is up to date. Although I learned so much in those early years, our profession is far too important for us to stop growing. My employer—and more importantly, my patients—deserve my continued dedication to excellence. I owe it to them to stay current with new ideas, strengthen my foundational knowledge, and remain open to ongoing growth.

This is why, at Emergent, we have made high-quality training and MOC courses a pillar of our company. A strong foundation is essential at the start of your Vision Therapy career, but access to continuing education is equally vital. It’s the commitment to lifelong learning that helps us become the best therapists we can be.

So when you receive your reminder email that it’s time to renew your certification, don’t view it as an obstacle, but as a stepping stone—an opportunity to reach new heights. Remember, none of us can afford to grow stagnant, and we are always here to support you and help you succeed.