1. A Bridge to Your Paraoptometric Destination Design your Individual Path

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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: and
, ext or 4210

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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.

10. Social Media and Networking
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Search for “AOA Paraoptometric Resource Center”
or “Commission on Paraoptometric Certification"
Join in on discussions, articles, news, pictures and networking opportunities