A Bridge to Your Paraoptometric Destination Design your Individual Path  

Who are paraoptometrics? Allied health professionals who assist optometrists in providing their highest level of vision care to patients. What are some job responsibilities of paraoptometric staff? Front desk Contact Lens Optical Dispensing Insurance Processing (requires certification) Office Administration Technical Assistant (Laws may limit, restrict, or otherwise affect the duties that may be performed by the paraoptometrics). What is certification for paraoptometric staff? A level of professional accreditation attained through formal testing and continuing education in the paraoptometric field.

AOA’s Paraoptometric Group Areas of Emphasis and Accountabilities Paraoptometric Resource Center Develops Education Materials Contributes to Professional Training Offers Networking Opportunities Advances Professional Development Rewards Superior Performance Associate Membership Possibility Commission on Paraoptometric Certification Develops and certifies formal testing Administers examinations with the assistance of Professional Testing Corporation Manages certification renewals

What is the Paraoptometric Group? Nation’s largest supporter serving the needs of paraoptometric staff (allied health professionals who assist optometrists) Develops education and training of paraoptometric staff Administers career paraoptometric certifications (CPO, CPOA, CPOT, CPOC) AOA Associate membership includes discounts, networking opportunities and service recognition Contact: prc@aoa.org and cpc@aoa.org 800.365.2219, ext. 4108 or 4210

Education Education materials are available to assist paraoptometrics in preparation for: Certification examination Staff training Professional development A sampling of education available: Self-Study Course for Paraoptometric Assistants and Technicians Self-assessment examination CPO Study Guide Study Flash Card Sets Education Modules Certification Review Courses

Associate Membership Benefits Staff Training Continuing Education Publications Discounts Access to Optometry’s Career Center Complete Benefits Package   Involvement Awards and Recognition Volunteer Opportunities Optometry’s Meeting  Paraoptometric Functions

Paraoptometric Certification Commission on Paraoptometric Certification Certification Designations CPO – Certified Paraoptometric CPOA – Certified Paraoptometric Assistant CPOT – Certified Paraoptometric Technician CPOC – Certified Paraoptometric Coder – a specialty billing and coding certification

Paraoptometric Awards and Recognition The Paraoptometric Group has developed several professional recognition awards for its members. Paraoptometric Recognition Week (third week in September) Paraoptometric of the Year Award CPC Lifetime Achievement Award

1978 – 2018 In 1978 at the AOA’s 81st Annual Congress in New Orleans, the House of Delegates approved the formation of the Paraoptometric Section. By-laws were established and officers of the first Paraoptometric Council were elected and installed.

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