Our mission is to improve outcomes for dry eye patients by establishing professional standards for non-clinical lifestyle support and empowering healthcare professionals with the training, tools, and credentials to deliver this essential service.
We believe that comprehensive dry eye care requires more than medical treatment alone. Patients need structured support to understand and modify the lifestyle factors that significantly impact their symptoms.
Dry eye disease affects over 30 million Americans, and lifestyle factors significantly impact symptom severity. However, healthcare providers face time constraints that limit comprehensive lifestyle education, and patients struggle to implement changes without ongoing support.
We recognized this gap and created the CDELS™ certification to:
Before CDELS™, there was no professional credential specifically for this emerging role, despite growing recognition that lifestyle factors are critical to dry eye outcomes.
The CDELS™ curriculum is grounded in peer-reviewed research on nutrition, environmental factors, behavioral interventions, and patient coaching methodologies. We continuously update content based on emerging research to ensure current, relevant training.
We maintain rigorous standards for scope of practice, ensuring certified specialists operate within non-clinical boundaries and work collaboratively with physicians. Professional boundaries protect both patients and practitioners.
Our program includes not just training, but complete implementation support—marketing materials, patient tools, and practice systems—so specialists can immediately apply their skills. Success requires more than knowledge; it requires resources.
10 comprehensive modules with ongoing updates based on emerging research
Candidates must demonstrate knowledge through examination and case-based assessments
Annual renewal requires ongoing professional development
All certified specialists agree to a Code of Ethics and scope limitations
We monitor feedback, outcomes, and complaints to maintain program integrity
Every CDELS™ certified specialist has completed the same rigorous training and agrees to the same professional standards, ensuring consistent, high-quality patient experiences.