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Certified Paraoptometric Technician (CPOT)

CPOT™ - A person who has attained national recognition via certification by demonstrating the ability to understand, apply, and interrelate the concepts used in optometric care

Click for 2012 CPOT^TM Candidate Handbook

Click for 2012 CPOT^TM Application

Click for 2012 CPOT^TM Sample Test Questions

What tasks does a Certified Paraoptometric (CPOT™) perform?

Under the supervision from an optometrist, the CPOT™ may perform technical duties such as taking detailed patient histories, measuring visual acuity, measuring the curvature of the cornea (Keratometry), glaucoma screening, blood pressure testing, and measuring the distance between the pupils of the eye. In addition, they may well order prescription eyewear, modify contact lenses, explain contact lens care regimens, photographing the interior of the eye, supervise staff, and other duties that optometrist may delegate.

Eligible applicants must have earned the CPOA™ title, hold a current CPOA™ designation, and verify a minimum of six months additional employment in the eye care field as a CPOA™. Some candidates may sit directly for the CPOT™ examination by having met the other education criteria. Contact the CPC office for information.

What's the examination about?

The CPOT™ examination consists of two parts – a written and a practical examination. The CPOT™ written examination consists of 250 multiple choice questions related to pre-testing procedures, clinical procedures, ophthalmic optics and dispensing, refractive status of the eye and binocularity, procedures, ophthalmic optics and dispensing, refractive status of the eye and binocularity, anatomy and physiology, and practice management.

The CPOT™ practical examination is a hands-on demonstration of specific skills required and candidates must demonstrate their abilities at three testing stations: 1) case history/pre-testing; 2) Blood Pressure/Contact Lenses/Tonometry/Pachymetry/Simulated Dilation; 3) Lensometry/Base Curve/Pupillary Distance. See practical candidate handbook for detailed information.

What content do I need to study?

The following outline includes a brief explanation of the areas covered on the CPOT^TM examination (refer to the CPOT^TM Handbook for Candidates for the full outline).

Pre-Testing Procedures (20%) – Case history, visual acuity, vision screening and preliminary testing techniques, color vision, and stereo acuity.

Clinical Procedures (28%) – Keratometry, tonometry, visual fields, blood pressure testing, contact lenses, vision therapy, triage and first aid, low vision, and special ocular procedures.

Ophthalmic Optics and Dispensing (20%) – Optical principles of light, prescription, lenses, frame selection, and adjustment.

Refractive Status of the Eye and Binocularity (12%) – Refractive errors, refractive conditions, eye movements, binocular vision.

Anatomy and Physiology (15%) – General anatomy and physiology, eye anatomy, and pharmacology.

Practice Management (5%) – Office management, professional issues, and government rules and regulations.

NOTE: Refer to the CPO™ Candidate Handbook for eligibility and fees.