Technician Training

Levels of Certification for Ophthalmic Personnel

COA - Certified Ophthalmic Assistant
COT - Certified Ophthalmic Technician
COMT - Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist

Certification is received through the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO) The JCAHPO certification assures patients of the skills and knowledge of an individual at each level of certification. This assures patients and potential employers that the individual has achieved a certain level of competence. The JCAHPO certification is similar to the certification received by doctors or nurses who have completed the requirements of their chosen specialty.

Every successive level of certification requires more knowledge, skill and experience than the previous level. Advancement is obtained by using a combination of continuing education courses, formal instruction and clinical experience.