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Become a Certified Dry Eye Lifestyle Specialist™

Launch Timeline & Academic Partners

The CDELS™ program is on track to launch in early summer 2026.

We are currently finalizing partnerships with academic institutions that will support curriculum development, accreditation, and continuing education. Details on our academic partners will be announced soon — check back here for updates, or sign up below to be the first to know when enrollment opens

Stay in the Loop

Be the first to know when the CDELS™ program officially opens for enrollment. Sign up for updates and we'll notify you as soon as registration is live, academic partners are announced, and program details are published.

Questions?

Reach us at info at broadry dot com. We're happy to answer questions about the program, who it's designed for, and how to prepare.

This certification does not confer medical licensure or authorize the diagnosis or treatment of disease.

The CDELS™ certification is a self-paced, online program that trains healthcare professionals to provide evidence-based lifestyle education for dry eye patients. The program takes approximately 7-10 hours to complete.

Enroll in Summer 2026

What You'll Learn

The CDELS™ curriculum covers 10 comprehensive modules spanning nutrition, environmental optimization, screen time management, stress reduction, sleep hygiene, patient coaching skills, and practice implementation.

Module 1: The Role of a Dry Eye Lifestyle Specialist

  • Understanding dry eye disease (educational overview)
  • Scope of practice and professional boundaries
  • When to refer to physicians
  • Ethical responsibilities

Module 2: Patient Assessment & Goal Setting

  • Lifestyle assessment techniques
  • Identifying trigger patterns
  • SMART goal frameworks
  • Creating personalized action plans

Module 3: Nutrition & Supplementation Guidance

  • Anti-inflammatory diet for eye health
  • Omega-3 fatty acids and key nutrients
  • Hydration strategies
  • Over-the-counter supplement education

Module 4: Environmental Optimization

  • Home and workplace assessments
  • Humidity and air quality recommendations
  • Blue light and screen positioning
  • Sleep environment optimization

Module 5: Daily Habits & Self-Care Routines

  • Lid hygiene education
  • Warm compress techniques
  • Blinking exercises
  • Activity modifications

Module 6: Stress Management & Lifestyle Rhythm

  • Stress-symptom connection
  • Sleep hygiene for eye health
  • Mindfulness and relaxation techniques
  • Work-life balance strategies

Module 7: Acupressure & Gentle Periocular Techniques

  • Self-massage instruction
  • Acupressure points for eye wellness
  • Safety and contraindications
  • Teaching techniques to patients

Module 8: Coaching Skills & Behavior Change

  • Motivational interviewing
  • Active listening
  • Overcoming adherence barriers
  • Virtual coaching best practices

Module 9: Reinforcing Clinical Recommendations

  • Working collaboratively with physicians
  • Supporting treatment adherence
  • Documentation and communication
  • Recognizing when to escalate

Module 10: Building & Operating Your Lifestyle Service

  • Service structure and pricing
  • Marketing to patients
  • Measuring outcomes
  • Creating scalable programs

Requirements to Earn Your CDELS™ Credential

Prerequisites

  • Must be 18 years of age or older
  • High school diploma or equivalent (GED)
  • Access to work with or within an eye care practice
  • Current CPR/First Aid certification (for those providing in-person services)
  • Agreement to practice within defined scope of practice

Training

  • Complete all 10 training modules (approximately 20-25 hours)
  • Review all supplementary materials
  • Complete module quizzes with 80% or higher

Examination

  • Pass certification exam with 80% or higher
  • 100 multiple-choice questions
  • 2-hour time limit
  • Open-book format
  • One free retake included if needed

Professional Conduct

  • Agree to Code of Ethics
  • Agree to Scope of Practice guidelines
  • Maintain appropriate professional liability insurance
  • Commit to annual continuing education

Most candidates complete the CDELS™ certification in 4-6 weeks while working full-time.

Your Certification Package Includes

  • Complete 10-module training curriculum (video, text, downloadable resources)
  • Comprehensive patient assessment questionnaire templates
  • Library of patient education handouts (customizable)
  • Marketing materials for promoting services
  • Official CDELS™ certificate (digital and printable)
  • Digital badge for email signatures and websites
  • Listing in public directory of certified specialists
  • Access to members-only community forum
  • Quarterly continuing education webinars
  • Ongoing resource library updates
  • Email support from program administrators

Certification Pricing

Package Price Best For
Individual Certification Contact for pricing Solo practitioners, individual professionals
Practice Package (3+ staff) Contact for pricing Optometry/ophthalmology practices
Enterprise (10+ staff) Contact for pricing Multi-location practices
Annual Renewal Contact for pricing All certified specialists
Exam Retake (if needed) Contact for pricing Candidates who don't pass on first attempt

Payment options: Credit card, payment plans, purchase orders for practices

How to Get Started

Step 1: Apply Online

Complete the brief online application form with your professional background and contact information.

Step 2: Pay Certification Fee

Secure your enrollment with payment. Access to the training portal is immediate upon payment.

Step 3: Begin Training

Work through the 10 modules at your own pace. Most students complete training in 4-6 weeks.

Step 4: Pass the Exam

Schedule your certification exam when ready. The 100-question exam is open-book and takes 2 hours.

Step 5: Receive Credentials

Upon passing, you receive your official certificate, digital badge, and access to all member resources.

Step 6: Start Practicing

Begin offering lifestyle specialist services within your practice or in partnership with eye care providers.


Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does it take to complete the CDELS™ certification?

A: Most candidates complete the CDELS™ certification in 4-6 weeks while working full-time. The program includes approximately 10 hours of training content, which is self-paced and can be completed on your schedule.

Q: Is the CDELS™ certification recognized by professional organizations?

A: The CDELS™ is issued by a professional credential board for dry eye lifestyle specialists. While not required by law, it demonstrates specialized training and commitment to professional standards.

Q: Can I get certified if I don't work in an eye care practice?

A: Yes. Wellness coaches, nutritionists, acupuncturists, and other healthcare professionals can become certified. However, you should have a pathway to work with dry eye patients, either within a practice or through partnerships with eye care providers.

Q: What is the pass rate for the CDELS™ exam?

A: The exam is designed to be challenging but fair. It's open-book and candidates have access to all course materials. One free retake is included if needed.

Q: Do I need to be licensed in healthcare to get certified?

A: No medical license is required. The CDELS™ certification is designed for allied health professionals, practice staff, and wellness professionals who want to specialize in dry eye lifestyle support.

Q: What's the difference between CDELS™ and medical dry eye treatment?

A: CDELS™ specialists provide non-clinical lifestyle education only. They do not diagnose, treat, or prescribe. They work alongside physicians to support patients with nutrition, environmental modifications, stress management, and daily habits.

Q: How do I maintain my certification?

A: CDELS™ certification must be renewed annually. Renewal requires completing a set number of hours of continuing education and confirming ongoing compliance with scope of practice.

Q: Can I offer CDELS™ services remotely/virtually?

A: Yes. Many certified specialists offer virtual consultations via video conferencing, making lifestyle coaching accessible to patients regardless of location.

Q: What if I fail the exam?

A: One free retake is included. If you need a second retake, there is a fee. We also provide feedback on areas to review.

Q: Is financing available?

A:  We offer payment plans for individual certifications and can work with practices on invoicing terms for multi-staff packages.


Ready to Become a Certified Dry Eye Lifestyle Specialist?

Enrollment begins June 2026