General Information Overview
Scope of Allied Ophthalmic Personnel
As a member of the allied health profession , Allied Ophthalmic Personnel ( AOP ) are part of a professional team of eye care providers . Certified AOP perform assigned procedures under the direction or supervision of a physician licensed to practice medicine and surgery , and qualified in ophthalmology . AOP are not independent practitioners and may not diagnose , treat eye disorders , or prescribe medications . They can supply vital information to the physician , who is treating patients , and may assist in areas such as surgery , patient education , and compliance .
Some of the most common tasks performed by AOP at all levels of certification include : |
♦ Taking patient histories |
♦ Maintaining instruments |
♦ Providing patient services |
♦ Taking eye measurements |
♦ Administering tests and evaluations |
♦ Performing a variety of clinical tasks |
JCAHPO certifications and examinations include knowledge and performance of techniques in the administration of eye drops , ointments , and irrigating solutions to the eye , and knowledge about oral medications and non-invasive techniques . It is not within the scope of JCAHPO certification and examination to evaluate the performance of any injection technique or similar invasive procedure when needles , trocars , cannulas , or instillation devices are placed within and beneath tissue surfaces .
While certification is an important indication of your knowledge and skill , please remember that JCAHPO does not guarantee the job performance or express an opinion of the competence of individuals who have achieved certification .
Certification Overview
Allied Ophthalmic Personnel possess skills and knowledge attained through formal or on-the-job training and clinical work experience . Certification reinforces the skills and knowledge obtained through this experience .
Core Levels of Certification
JCAHPO ’ s three core levels of certification comprise a solid foundation of steps in the advancement of your career .
Advanced Level
COMT ( Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist )
Intermediate Level COT ( Certified Ophthalmic Technician )
Each level of certification has prerequisite eligibility requirements and examination processes . Allied Ophthalmic Personnel ( AOP ) may progress from one level of certification to the next , through work experience and examination . Formal training can also serve as an entry point to certification at any of the core levels .
Entry Level
COA ( Certified Ophthalmic Assistant )
Sub-Specialty Certification Those who have been certified at a core level may choose to become certified in the following sub-specialty area :
♦ Ophthalmic Surgical Assisting ( OSA ): Achievement of this sub-specialty certification exemplifies your knowledge in the procedures and instrumentation necessary to assist in ophthalmic surgical suites .
Specialty Certifications ( A core certification is not required .)
♦ Registered Ophthalmic Ultrasound Biometrist ( ROUB ): The designation of ROUB signifies that the AOP , who performs A-scan biometry on the eye , has a knowledge base in biometry and physics .
♦ Certified Diagnostic Ophthalmic Sonographer ( CDOS ): The designation of CDOS conveys that the AOP who performs the diagnostic B-scan sonography on the eye , has obtained a knowledge base in the principles and instrumentation needed to perform eye exams using high frequency sound waves .
♦ Corporate Certified Ophthalmic Assistant ( CCOA ): The CCOA offers corporate employees of companies that supply products and services to the ophthalmic community , the opportunity to obtain a credential proving their knowledge in both ophthalmology and industry technology for marketing credibility .
4