Become a VTS (Ophthalmology)

Earning your Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) in Ophthalmology demonstrates advanced expertise and sets you apart as a leader in veterinary ophthalmic nursing.

Application Process

Step 1: Submit Your Initial Application

• Applications open annually on January 1st and close on February 28th.

• Applications must be complete at the time of submission. Incomplete applications may be rejected.

• The non-refundable application fee is due upon submission.

Step 2: Submit Your Final Packet (If Accepted)

• If your initial application is approved, your final Application Packet is due by December 31st of the same year.

• This packet includes clinical experience verification, case logs, case reports, and exam questions.

Eligibility Requirements for Initial Application

To apply, you must:

• Have at least three years (6,000 hours) of experience as a credentialed veterinary technician in ophthalmology within the last five years.

• Work directly with a Diplomate of ACVO or ECVO and spend at least 75 percent of your time in ophthalmology.

• Complete 40 hours of ophthalmology-specific continuing education within the past five years.

• Provide two letters of recommendation from approved sources.

• Hold current NAVTA membership and provide proof.

All of the above must be submitted with your initial application. After applications have been reviewed, you will receive your applicant number and complete guidelines for creating your final application packet. At that time you may request to be paired with a mentor. You may review the current year guidelines here.

Final Credentialing Requirements (After Initial Approval)

If your application is accepted, you will need to:

• Demonstrate advanced competence through skills and knowlege verification.

• Submit 50 case logs recorded within one year.

• Write four in-depth case reports demonstrating expertise.

• Submit three exam questions for future certification exams.

The above information is submitted as a single document, referred to as an “Application Packet”. Packets are anonymously reviewed by a team of VTS’s. If your Application Packet is accepted, you will be eligible to sit for examination. A passing score on the examination will grant you the title of VTS (ophthalmology) to be awarded during the annual conference.

For important updates on credentialing, we encourage applicants to join our listserve.

For questions, and to be added to the listserv please contact AVOT Secretary Katie Cranston at avot_vts@yahoo.com.

For full credentialing details and requirements, please review the AVOT guidelines.