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 20-25 hours to complete.
Enroll in Summer 2026The CDELS™ curriculum covers 10 comprehensive modules spanning nutrition, environmental optimization, screen time management, stress reduction, sleep hygiene, patient coaching skills, and practice implementation.
Most candidates complete the CDELS™ certification in 4-6 weeks while working full-time.
| 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
The CDELS™ certification is a one-time investment of $[AMOUNT] with annual renewal of $[AMOUNT], providing a lifetime skill set for a growing specialty.
Complete the brief online application form with your professional background and contact information.
Secure your enrollment with payment. Access to the training portal is immediate upon payment.
Work through the 10 modules at your own pace. Most students complete training in 4-6 weeks.
Schedule your certification exam when ready. The 100-question exam is open-book and takes 2 hours.
Upon passing, you receive your official certificate, digital badge, and access to all member resources.
Begin offering lifestyle specialist services within your practice or in partnership with eye care providers.
A: Most candidates complete the CDELS™ certification in 4-6 weeks while working full-time. The program includes approximately 20-25 hours of training content, which is self-paced and can be completed on your schedule.
A: The CDELS™ is issued by Ocular Lifestyle Education Center and is a newly established professional credential specifically for dry eye lifestyle specialists. While not required by law, it demonstrates specialized training and commitment to professional standards.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A: CDELS™ certification must be renewed annually for $[AMOUNT]. Renewal requires completing a set number of hours of continuing education and confirming ongoing compliance with scope of practice.
A: Yes. Many certified specialists offer virtual consultations via video conferencing, making lifestyle coaching accessible to patients regardless of location.
A: One free retake is included. If you need a second retake, there is a fee. We also provide feedback on areas to review.
A: We offer payment plans for individual certifications and can work with practices on invoicing terms for multi-staff packages.