Type of Activity Mandatory (Yes or No) Points
Case Report Yes – although a minimum of 3 case reports is required, it is up to the applicant on how many case reports they submit.

This mandatory requirement is waived for non-clinician applicants.

 20 points per case report. All case reports must be on a different topic.  Candidates must follow the Canadian Journal of Optometry (CJO) Authors Guideline to produce a “publishable quality” report.  Please submit your first Case Report to the CCSO for valuable feedback before submitting any additional reports.

No maximum.
Journal article, complete book or chapter in a book No. 20 points per paper for first or senior author.

10 points per paper for other authors.

Original works only.

No maximum.
Presentation of a lecture, wet-lab or workshop No. This activity is not intended for customary classroom prep by University professors or for industry prepared lectures.

Lectures count as 2x the number of points as for workshops.

Therefore, 1 hour of lecture or 2 hours of workshops earns 5 points. Or, 2 hours of lectures or 4 hours of workshops earns 10 points.

Maximum of 30 points in this category.
Poster Presentation No. 10 points per original poster.

Applicants cannot claim credit for presentation of the same poster at different venues.

Maximum of 30 points in this category.
On-line poster presentation No. Not currently available, however, the CCSO will develop this activity in future years.
Residency and/or Higher Level Education No 30 points per residency.  Does not have to be an accredited residency.

20 points for a completed MSc.

40 points for a completed Ph.D.
Self-directed studies No. 1 point per submitted Journal article can be awarded.

10 points maximum in this category.

The applicant must be prepared to discuss details of their self-directed studies during their Oral Exam.

Applicants are required to submit a list of Journals or articles along with a short, detailed summary on the CCSO Self-Directed Study form.
Supervision of an optometry student externship or clerkship No. The applicant can earn 10 points for being a full-time supervisor for 1 year or 2 days per week as a part-time supervisor in private practice or at the Montreal or Waterloo clinics.

10 points maximum in this category.
Current or previous position on a college or association No. The applicant can earn 10 points by submitting a 1200 word essay on their current or previous accomplishments and positions held.

10 points maximum in this category.
Oral exam Yes, this is mandatory. This could be scheduled at the mutual convenience of the applicant and the Oral Exam Panel during the CAO Congress, at the Montreal or Waterloo CE Sessions or at any provincial association CE Conferences throughout the country. No points are awarded for this requirement as this is considered the last “check” of quality assurance that the applicant has completed all submitted work themselves.

 

Fellowship General Rules:

  • A minimum total of 100 points is required to earn the CCSO Fellowship designation. Applicants are allowed and encouraged to complete activities that may take them over the minimum 100 point total.
  • Applicants may start to submit case reports or verification of completion of other activities as soon as they submit their application form and application fee.
  • Applicants would have a maximum of 3 years from the time of their application to complete the process; however, CCSO is able to grant additional time to any applicant who requires it (for appropriate reasons).

Fees:

CCSO Fellowship application fee – $125