Top 11 Optometric Assistant Certifications

Certifications are important for optometric assistants in the job market because they demonstrate a high level of competency and professionalism. Employers want to know that their optometric assistants have the necessary knowledge and skills required to perform the duties of an optometric assistant. Certifications show employers that an individual has gone through an accredited training program and has met all of the requirements needed to become certified in their field. This can give employers peace of mind knowing that they are hiring someone who is highly qualified and capable of delivering quality care to their patients. Additionally, certifications can also help an optometric assistant stand out among other applicants, increasing their chances of being hired.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Optometric Assistants and explain how they can help further an optometric assistant's career.

What are Optometric Assistant Certifications?

Optometric Assistant Certification is a training program designed to provide optometric assistants with a comprehensive understanding of the duties and responsibilities involved in working as part of an optometry team. The program provides education on patient care and services, office administration, optical dispensing, contact lenses and more. The certification exam tests the knowledge acquired during the program.

Having Optometric Assistant Certification can be beneficial for both employers and employees. For employers, it serves as a sign that the employee is equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to adequately perform their job tasks. It also shows that they have taken the initiative to become certified in their field, which can be attractive to potential employers. For employees, having certification can help them stand out among applicants and give them an edge when applying for jobs in the optometry industry. It can also lead to promotions or higher wages within their current position. Additionally, having certification may open doors to other opportunities within the field such as teaching or research positions.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the requirements for optometric assistant certification in your area before beginning your training. Many states have specific certifications and licensing requirements that must be met in order to practice as an optometric assistant. Additionally, some employers may require certain certifications or qualifications when considering applicants for optometric assistant positions.

Related: What does an Optometric Assistant do?

Top 11 Optometric Assistant Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Optometric Assistants today.

1. Certified Paraoptometric Technician (CPOT)

A Certified Paraoptometric Technician (CPOT) is a certified healthcare professional who works alongside ophthalmologists and optometrists to provide quality eye care services. CPOTs are trained to perform a variety of duties such as patient history taking, pre-testing, contact lens fitting, visual field testing, and other diagnostic tests. They also assist with the selection and dispensing of eyewear, as well as providing patient education on eye health topics.

To become a CPOT, you must complete an approved paraoptometric program or equivalent coursework. This typically takes about one year of full-time study or two years of part-time study. After completing the program, you must pass the National Opticianry Competency Exam (NOCE). Once you have passed the exam, you can apply for certification from the American Board of Opticianry (ABO).

The cost to become a CPOT varies depending on where you take your courses and how long it takes to complete them. Generally speaking, tuition costs range from $2,000 - $5,000 USD per year. In addition to tuition costs, there may be additional fees associated with registration and examination fees.

2. Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA)

A Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) is a professional who has completed an accredited ophthalmic assistant program and passed a certification exam administered by the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO). The COA is responsible for providing patient care under the direct supervision of an ophthalmologist. This includes performing vision tests, measuring intraocular pressure, administering eye medications, and assisting with minor surgical procedures.

It typically takes between one to two years to complete the educational requirements for becoming a COA. Most programs include classroom instruction as well as clinical experience in an ophthalmology office or hospital setting. After completing the educational requirements, individuals must pass the JCAHPO certification exam to become certified.

The cost of becoming a COA can vary depending on the program chosen and any additional fees associated with taking the certification exam. Generally, tuition for a one-year program ranges from $4,000-$7,000 and the cost of the certification exam is around $200.

3. Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT)

A Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) is a professional who has been certified by the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO). The COT is responsible for performing technical tasks related to eye care and vision testing. This includes taking patient histories, measuring visual acuity, administering diagnostic tests, assisting with minor surgical procedures, fitting contact lenses and eyeglasses, and providing patient education.

It typically takes between one to two years to become a COT. To get certified, you must complete an accredited ophthalmic technician program or have at least one year of experience as an ophthalmic assistant. After completing the program or gaining experience, you must then pass the JCAHPO Certification Examination.

The cost of becoming a COT varies depending on the program you choose and whether or not you need to take additional courses or exams. Generally speaking, it costs around $500-$1,000 for tuition and fees for an accredited program plus the cost of books and materials. Additionally, you may need to pay for the JCAHPO Certification Exam which costs around $200-$300.

4. National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE)

The National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) is an independent, nonprofit organization that provides certification for contact lens practitioners. The NCLE was established in 1983 to ensure the highest quality of care for contact lens patients by providing a comprehensive examination and certification process for eye care professionals who specialize in fitting and prescribing contact lenses.

The NCLE exam consists of two parts: a written test and a practical skills assessment. The written exam covers topics such as anatomy, physiology, optics, pathology, contact lens materials and design, clinical management of contact lens-related conditions, and patient education. The practical skills assessment tests the candidate’s ability to accurately fit lenses on a model eye.

In order to take the NCLE exam, candidates must be licensed optometrists or ophthalmologists with at least one year of experience fitting contact lenses. Candidates must also complete an approved course in contact lens fitting prior to taking the exam.

It typically takes about three months from the time you apply to receive your results from the NCLE exam. It costs $400 for members of the American Optometric Association or $450 for non-members to take the exam.

5. American Board of Opticianry (ABO)

The American Board of Opticianry (ABO) is a professional certification program that provides opticians with the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the field. This certification is recognized by employers, state boards and other organizations as a mark of excellence.

To become ABO certified, an optician must pass a comprehensive exam that covers all aspects of optical dispensing. The exam consists of two parts: a written portion and a practical portion. The written portion includes topics such as anatomy and physiology, optics, contact lenses, ophthalmic frames and lenses, patient care, business practices, laws and regulations. The practical portion consists of hands-on tasks such as fitting frames on patients, adjusting eyeglasses to fit properly, measuring pupillary distances and more.

It typically takes between four to six months to prepare for the ABO Certification Exam. To get ready for the exam, opticians should review relevant materials from the American Board of Opticianry website or through studying guides provided by various optical organizations. Additionally, there are several online courses available that can help opticians prepare for the exam.

The cost for taking the ABO Certification Exam varies depending on how you choose to take it; however it generally costs around $300-$400 USD per part (written/practical).

6. Certified Orthoptic Assistant (COA)

Certified Orthoptic Assistant (COA) is a certification program offered by the American Association of Certified Orthoptists (AACO). The COA program is designed to provide orthoptic assistants with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively assist in the diagnosis and management of ocular motility disorders.

The COA program consists of an online course, a hands-on clinical practicum, and a written examination. The online course provides an introduction to ocular motility disorders, their diagnosis and management, as well as basic orthoptic principles. The hands-on clinical practicum consists of supervised patient care activities that demonstrate competency in the areas of patient assessment, diagnostic testing, treatment planning, patient education, and documentation.

The COA program typically takes 6-12 months to complete depending on the individual’s availability for study and completion of the required components. To get certified as a COA, you must first complete all required components including the online course, clinical practicum, and written examination. After successful completion of these components you will be eligible for certification as a COA.

The cost for the COA program can vary depending on your location but typically ranges from $1,000-$2,000 USD. This cost includes tuition fees for the online course and clinical practicum as well as any fees associated with taking the written examination.

7. Certified Low Vision Therapist (CLVT)

A Certified Low Vision Therapist (CLVT) is an individual who has received specialized training in the assessment and treatment of low vision. CLVTs are typically optometrists, ophthalmologists, or occupational therapists who have completed additional coursework and clinical experience in low vision rehabilitation. A CLVT is able to assess a patient's functional vision and develop a comprehensive plan to maximize their visual potential.

The process of becoming a CLVT involves completing an approved program of study that includes didactic coursework and supervised clinical experience. The program must be approved by the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP). The program typically takes between one to two years to complete depending on the individual's prior experience and educational background.

To become certified, individuals must pass the ACVREP certification exam which covers topics such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, assessment techniques, intervention strategies, patient management, and professional issues related to low vision rehabilitation.

The cost of becoming a CLVT varies depending on the type of program chosen. Programs range from self-study courses costing several hundred dollars up to full university programs costing several thousand dollars.

8. American Academy of Opticianry (AAO)

The American Academy of Opticianry (AAO) is a professional organization that provides certification and continuing education for opticians. It was established in 1971 to promote the highest standards of opticianry, to provide continuing education and to serve as an advocate for the profession.

To become certified by the AAO, you must complete a two-year apprenticeship program or a four-year college degree program in opticianry. Once you have completed your training, you can take the National Opticianry Competency Examination (NOCE). This exam tests your knowledge of optics, lenses, frames, contact lenses, optical materials and other related topics. After passing the NOCE, you can apply for certification from the AAO.

The cost of getting certified by the AAO depends on several factors such as whether you are applying as an individual or through an employer. Generally speaking, it costs around $400-$500 USD to get certified by the AAO.

Once you are certified by the AAO, you will need to renew your certification every three years by completing at least 18 hours of continuing education credits (CEUs). The cost of CEUs varies depending on where they are taken but typically range from $50 - $100 per credit hour.

9. National Academy of Opticianry (NAO)

The National Academy of Opticianry (NAO) is a professional organization that provides certification and continuing education for opticians. It was founded in 1972 to promote excellence in the practice of opticianry and to serve as an advocate for the profession. The NAO administers a certification program, which is recognized by many state licensing boards as evidence of competency in opticianry.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain requirements, including completion of a minimum number of hours of approved continuing education courses, passing an exam, and meeting other criteria specific to their state. The application process takes several weeks or months depending on the individual's background and experience.

The cost of certification varies depending on the type of certification sought. For example, the fee for Certified Dispensing Optician (CDO) certification is $150 plus applicable taxes; the fee for Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) certification is $125 plus applicable taxes; and the fee for Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) certification is $100 plus applicable taxes.

In addition to these fees, there may be additional costs associated with taking required courses or exams. Fees may also vary from state to state due to differences in local laws and regulations.

10. International Association of Contact Lens Educators (IACLE)

The International Association of Contact Lens Educators (IACLE) is a non-profit organization that provides educational resources and support to contact lens practitioners, educators, and students. It was founded in 1988 and has members in over 70 countries.

To become a member of IACLE, you must be actively involved in contact lens education or practice. You can apply online through the IACLE website. The process typically takes up to four weeks to complete.

Once your application is approved, you will need to pay an annual membership fee of $75 USD. This fee covers access to IACLE’s online library of educational materials, as well as discounts on continuing education courses and conferences. Additionally, members are eligible for awards and grants from IACLE.

In addition to the annual membership fee, there may also be additional fees associated with certain activities or services provided by IACLE such as attending conferences or purchasing educational materials.

11. American Board of Certification in Medical Optometry (ABCMO).

The American Board of Certification in Medical Optometry (ABCMO) is a voluntary professional certification program for optometrists. It is the only medical optometry board recognized by the American Optometric Association and the National Board of Examiners in Optometry. The ABCMO certification is designed to recognize optometrists who have achieved a high level of excellence in their practice of medical optometry.

It typically takes three years to complete the requirements for ABCMO certification. During this time, applicants must complete an approved residency program and pass a comprehensive written and oral examination. The residency program must include clinical experience with diagnosis and management of ocular disease, contact lenses, low vision care, pediatric care, vision therapy, and other areas as specified by the ABCMO.

To obtain ABCMO certification, applicants must submit an application packet that includes: proof of graduation from an accredited school or college of optometry; official transcripts; letters of recommendation; proof of completion of an approved residency program; and payment of all applicable fees. Applicants must also pass both a written exam and an oral exam administered by the ABCMO board.

The cost to apply for ABCMO certification varies depending on whether you are applying as a first-time applicant or as a recertifying applicant. For first-time applicants, it costs $1,500 plus any applicable fees for exams or travel expenses associated with taking the exams. For recertifying applicants, it costs $800 plus any applicable fees for exams or travel expenses associated with taking the exams.

Do You Really Need a Optometric Assistant Certificate?

Whether you need an optometric assistant certificate or not depends on your individual needs and goals. If you are interested in working as a certified optometric assistant, then having a certificate is important. Optometric assistants provide support to optometrists by helping with patient care, scheduling appointments, and managing the office.

In order to be eligible for certification, you must complete a program approved by the American Board of Optometry (ABO). These programs usually require that applicants have at least two years of experience in the field or an associate’s degree in a related field. The courses offered in these programs cover topics such as anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, vision science, and clinical procedures. Upon completion of the program, you will receive a certificate from the ABO verifying your qualifications as an optometric assistant.

Having an optometric assistant certificate can be beneficial for those seeking employment in this field. Many employers prefer to hire those who have completed an accredited program and are certified through the ABO. Additionally, certification may provide access to higher-paying jobs and more opportunities for advancement within the profession.

Ultimately, whether or not you need an optometric assistant certificate depends on your individual needs and goals. If becoming a certified optometric assistant is something that interests you, then investing in one of these programs can be beneficial both professionally and financially.

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FAQs About Optometric Assistant Certifications

1. What are the requirements to become certified as an optometric assistant?

Answer: The requirements to become certified as an optometric assistant vary by state. Generally, you must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and complete a training program approved by the American Board of Opticianry (ABO).

2. How long does it take to become certified as an optometric assistant?

Answer: Depending on the state, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to complete the necessary training and receive certification.

3. Are there any prerequisites for becoming an optometric assistant?

Answer: Yes, in most states you must have a high school diploma or equivalent before beginning your training program. Additionally, some states may require additional certifications or experience prior to enrollment in a program.

4. What type of job duties will I perform as an optometric assistant?

Answer: As an optometric assistant, your job duties can vary depending on the office you work in. Generally, you will assist with patient care such as taking vitals and administering vision tests; help fit eyeglasses and contact lenses; perform administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments and filing insurance claims; and provide customer service to patients.

5. Is certification required for all states?

Answer: No, while certification is recommended in all states, it is not required in every state. However, certain employers may prefer certified optometric assistants over non-certified ones so it is best to check with local employers prior to applying for jobs.