Paraoptometric Certification Newsletter
from the AOA Commission on Paraoptometric Certification

In This Issue

• Message from the Chair
• Ask the Expert
• Optometry's Meeting™ Preview
• Education Approvals
• Updated Schedule
• Congrats!
• Sponsor Recognition

Message from the Chair

Certified professionals, this is my last letter as the Chairman of the Commission on Paraoptometric Certification, and I have to say it has been a wonderful experience. I must thank all of the awesome volunteers from around the country that supported the efforts of this commission. I would also like to thank all AOA members for encouraging and supporting their staff to become certified, CIBA Vision for generously supporting the CPC since its inception, the AOA Board of Trustees for their continual support, and last but not least the awesome AOA staff (Darlene, Sharon and previously Kim). I have no doubt that God sent all of these wonderful people to have such an awesome impact. This commission started with 795 certified members and now we are nearing 6,500. This colossal event was not easy, but when you have members on the commission like Dr. Al Levin, Pat Schneider CPOT, consultants, Mary Jameson, CPOT and Cheryl Bruce, CPOT, public member, Bill Samuels, and last but not least member Billie Taylor. With all my heart, I say thank you.

Now on to the business at hand, I want to address a few issues that have come to my attention over the past three years that I feel I need to address. We will call this, “Lynn 's Top 10”.

1. There are a tremendous number of outstanding performers within our ranks and they are scattered all over the country and they are ready to get involved
   
   
2. We are getting a tremendous amount of support from the AOA Board of Trustees for the commission on paraoptometric certification; this has been a key in our success
   
   
3. Industry leaders like CIBA Vision, A Novartis Company have demonstrated faith in us and have made significant financial contributions. The significance of their support could never be put into words
   
   
4. There are a growing number of optometrists desiring to get their entire staff certified and realizing the significance of certification
   
   
5. There are growing numbers of certified paraoptometrics climbing the certification ladder. They are becoming more consistent in planning career progression.
   
   
6. Though we have made significant advances in certifying paraoptometrics all over the country, we need the help of the entire profession. We need all paraoptometrics to encourage their coworkers to get the entire office certified.
   
   
7. We must find ways to network better and communicate with each other about new trends and issues surrounding our profession, so that we can help each other.
   
   
8. As our organization grows, there will be a growing need for volunteers from within our organization. Paraoptometrics must learn and become familiar with our organization
   
   
9. As our profession continues to emerge with new and exciting technology and procedures, we must go to regional meetings to keep up with these trends.
   
   
10. We are professionals and must do everything possible to exude that image to our patients, our doctors and our peers. Remember to look the part, speak the part and learn the part. Our profession will only be as strong as we ourselves are willing to make it. Superior professionalism helps us all and poor professionalism hurts us all.

Things to look forward to: The AOA Congress will be held in Dallas, Texas June 22-26 2005. This is the biggest AOA event of the year and your participation is critical for its success. The Paraoptometric Section has developed some exciting new programs that target the current needs and trends in the field. You don't want to miss the networking opportunity and the learning option.

A new mentor program will roll out this June; we are putting together a list of CPOT that are willing to assist fellow paraoptometrics in advancing up the certification chain. This program is expected to roll out this summer.

The last thing; there will be a new Chair for the CPC; his name is Dr. Al Levin. I have worked with him for the past three years and I am giving him my full stamp of approval. He is the most qualified individual to fill this position, so look forward to some great advances for all paraoptometrics around the country and hopefully around the world.

We are going on an exciting ride and I pray that everyone interested in seeing our profession grow, join in and assist by helping us get the word out on certification. Help us to double our numbers this year.

Lynn Lawrence, CPOT
Chair, Commission on Paraoptometric Certification

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Ask the Expert

Ask the expert is an article that is included in every issue of the CPC Newsletter. The CPC welcomes your questions and urges you to submit your questions to CPC@aoa.org.

Question: How do I explain a "Lazy Eye" to the patient?

Answer: First and foremost, use as simple an explanation as possible, using only terms that the patient can understand.

Example:

A Lazy Eye is one that cannot be corrected to 20/20 vision even though it appears to be perfectly healthy (not diseased).

On occasion, one eye will require a very strong correction for glasses and does not work together with the other eye. When this condition exists and the eye is not corrected for a long period of time, the eye is not stimulated and normal vision does not develop. The same thing occurs when a child breaks an arm, which would then be put in a cast. This period of nonuse will cause the muscles to deteriorate until the cast is removed and exercise restores them over time. Unfortunately, it is much more difficult to exercise a Lazy Eye, especially if the condition has existed for an extended period of time.

There are different reasons for a Lazy Eye. It can occur due to one eye needing a strong correction or due to one eye being turned in or out and not working together with the other eye. To avoid seeing double, the brain will ignore the image of the turned eye preventing it from developing.”

The nonuse of one eye at an early age resulting in the inability to correct to 20/20 is often referred to as Amblyopia. These cases should all be studied for the possibility of treatment. A comprehensive eye exam to determine the cause of the Amblyopia is essential. The treatment will depend on the duration of the depravation, the severity of the problem and the motivation of the patient. With experience, the therapist can estimate the prognosis for success.

Notice: "Responses printed in the “Ask the Expert” column are the opinion of one individual and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Commission on Paraoptometric Certification.

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Optometry’s Meeting™ Preview

Are you planning to sit for the Paraoptometric Certification Examinations? If so, listen up! The AOA Commission on Paraoptometric Certification (CPC) is pleased to announce that all three levels (CPO, CPOA and CPOT) of written certification examinations will be offered. If you are planning to take any of these examinations, you must complete an official original application that is available only by contacting the CPC at 800-365-2219 ext. 210 or by downloading it from the AOA website http://www.aoa.org/students/para.asp. You will not register for the examination on the Optometry's Meeting™ Registration Form. When the application and appropriate fee(s) are received by the CPC, you will receive notification from the CPC that your application has been accepted. The deadline date for accepting applications and fees for the written examinations is May 13, 2005. Registration on-site or after the deadline date will not be permitted. The CPOT Practical Examination is also being administered at Optometry's Meeting™. All rules will apply and the deadline date for accepting applications and fees for the practical examination is May 1, 2005.

Join Us For An Interactive "Game Show" Luncheon

Certified or just seeking more information on AOA Paraoptometric Certification, you are invited! This event is open to Paraoptometric Section Members/Non-Member Paraoptometrics and Optometrists. Come and listen to a full description of the nationally recognized program and why this is for you or your staff. Also, you may be chosen to participate in the ever popular "Optical Jeopardy." Prizes will be awarded to top contenders! Current certified personnel will also be recognized. This is a free event, but you must register for function 0230.

When: Friday, June 24, 2005—12:30PM-2PM
What: Commission on Paraoptometric Certification Luncheon
Where: Appoloosa 3 (Gaylord)

Other Popular Optometry's Meeting Events

Thursday, June 23

• Opening General Session
• Paraoptometric of the Year Luncheon
• Education (including practical exam review workshop)
• Exhibit Hall

Friday, June 24

• Commission on Paraoptometric Certification Luncheon
• Paraoptometric Section Election Breakfast
• Certification Examinations (Written)
• Annual Paraoptometric Reception
• Exhibit Hall
• Education

Saturday, June 25

• Education
• Certification Examination (Practical)
• Exhibit Hall
• Closing Gala

Certification Renewal Closer than you Think?

Are you due to renew in 2005? Do you need additional hours to meet the requirements for renewal? Then plan to attend Optometry's Meeting™ where over 60 hours of approved continuing education is being offered. Register today at www.aoa.org.

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Education Approvals

The CPC Education Approval Sub-Committee has approved the following programs for certification renewal continuing education credit:

The CPC will accept continuing education credit towards certification renewal from any AOA State Affiliate Optometric Association. Contact your state for upcoming educational activities.

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Updated Schedule

Download an examination application and handbook for candidates from the AOA web site!

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Congrats!

CONGRATULATIONS to the certified paraoptometrics listed below. Each passed the CPO, CPOA, or CPOT examination in January or February, 2005:

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Sponsorship Recognition

The CPC would like to extend a special thank you to CIBA Vision, A Novartis Company for sponsoring the certified paraoptometric program since its inception. It is through the support of CIBA Vision that enables the success of the certification program and allows for continued growth of the CPC.