Study Resources

Introducing a new resource for CPOT Practical Examination candidates. Thanks to the support of CIBA Vision, a video has been produced. The CPC along with CIBA Vision sponsorship has developed a video that demonstrates a complete practical examination. This is not a teaching video but simply will show you how a complete practical examination is facilitated from start to finish. The full video is free to view online (use the link below). See a sample excerpt here. (Free copies of the DVD are no longer available.)

 View the video on the CPOT page

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One hundred questions developed to help you test your knowledge and offer additional study resources for the first certification examination, Certified Paraoptometric (CPO). Questions are different from those found in the CPO Study Guide but cover the same topic area to assist exam preparation.

Order flash cards from the Paraoptometric Section.

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(355 pages, 262 ills, copyright June 2008, hard binder with 19 chapter booklets)

The AOA Paraoptometric Section's Self Study Course for Paraoptometric Certification, 3rd Edition, and corresponding self-assessment examination offers a unique and convenient opportunity to earn continuing education credit while preparing for the certification. This course helps prepare the certified paraoptometric to sit for the certified assistant (CPOA) or certified technician (CPOT) exam.

Order the Self-Study Course from the Paraoptometric Section.

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(28 pages, copyright 2007, soft booklet)

Includes 350 multiple choice questions on information covered in the Self Study Course for Paraoptometric Certification textbook, and may be completed in a convenient timeframe. This examination is a great way to learn what your knowledge base is in preparation for sitting for the CPOA and CPOT examinations. After completion, you may mail the self-assessment examination to the Paraoptometric Section office in St. Louis for grading. If you answer 249 questions correctly, you will receive 12 hours of continuing education credit and a certificate of achievement. .

Order the Self-Assessment Exam from the Paraoptometric Section.

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(66 pages, 64 ills, Copyright August 2008, soft cover)

As the first step a Paraoptometric uses to prepare for the entry level paraoptometric certification, this CD covers many of the topics on the CPO certification exam. This CD is also great as a training tool for new paraoptometric staff. Topics include practice management, anatomy of the eye, eye exams, refractive status, ophthalmic prescription, ophthalmic lenses, ophthalmic dispensing, contact lenses, common eye disorders, surgery, and basic pharmacology.

Order the CPO Study Guide from the Paraoptometric Section.

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By Jack J. Kanski, MD, MS, FRCS, FRCOphth
336 pages 703 ills, Copyright 2008, Soft cover, Reference

The Clinical Ophthalmology Test-Yourself Atlas new edition is a more valuable aid to examination success than ever before. The topics covered have been expanded and extra images and questions have been added throughout. The book has been completely redesigned and re-formatted to be more user-friendly, and it now provides a handy reference and revision guide that can be conveniently referred to at any time. A new online website presents all the questions and images in varied formats so you can interactively assess all aspects of your knowledge by the most effective means possible. You can work through questions thematically using the ‘in the classroom’ mode, or alternatively choose the random ‘in the clinic’ mode that mimics the arbitrary presentation of cases in clinical practice. With its variety, flexibility and instant feedback, the online self-assessment tool provides a thorough, challenging and stimulating way for students to review and consolidate their knowledge.

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By Clifford W. Brooks, OD and Irvin Borish, OD, DOS, LLD, DSc
688 pages 700 ills, Copyright 2007, Hardcover

The ultimate ophthalmic dispensing reference, this book provides a step-by-step system for properly fitting and adjusting eyewear. It covers every aspect of dispensing — from basic terminology to frame selection to eyewear fitting, adjusting, and repairing. Perfect for both students who are just learning about dispensing and practitioners who want to keep their skills up to date, this resource offers in-depth discussions of all types of lenses, including multifocal, progressive, absorptive, safety, recreational, aspheric, and high index. Plus, it goes beyond the basics to explore the "how" and "why" behind lens selections, to help you better understand and meet your patients' vision needs.

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By Sarah Morgan
302 pages 94 ills, Copyright 2008, Soft cover

The Complete Optometric Assistant will be your valued guide through all of the above. Sarah Morgan draws on her experience as an optometrist teaching optometric assistants to take you step-by-step and with clarity and authority through each of these areas and more in one handy volume. Comprehensive and extremely practical, this book will be indispensable reading for all front-line practice staff, as well as being enormously useful to students and dispensing opticians.

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By Harold A. Stein, MD, MSC (Ophth), FRCS (C), DOMS (London), Raymond M. Stein, MD,
FRCS(C) and Melvin I. Freeman, MD, FACS
928 pages, over 1000 ills, Copyright 2013,  Reference

Excel in your clinical responsibilities with The Ophthalmic Assistant. Whether you work in an ophthalmology, optometry, or opticianry setting, this best-selling reference delivers expert practical, up-to-date guidance on ocular diseases, surgical procedures, medications, and equipment as well as paramedical procedures and office management - providing all the knowledge and skills you need to be a valuable asset to your team. A real "how-to" textbook.

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By Marvin Bittinger
112 pp Soft Cover, Pub. Date: 1999, Order# 63349

The Basic Bookshelf for Eyecare Professionals is a series that provides fundamental and advanced material with a clinical approach to clinicians and students. A special effort was made to cover information needed for the certification exams in ophthalmic and optometric assisting, low vision, surgical assisting, opticianry, and contact lens examiners. General Medical Knowledge is designed for those needing to learn or brush up on the anatomy and physiology of the human body. This book emphasizes the fact that the eye is part of the body as a whole and presents the basic concepts of anatomy and physiology as well as an overview of common diseases. The first section begins with cells and tissues, then discusses the various organ systems including cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, and nervous. The second section covers systemic diseases and disorders including connective tissue disease, age related disorders, and neoplastic disorders, with special emphasis on how each of these can affect the eye. This text will provide a solid foundation of general medical knowledge for those working as eyecare professionals.

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By Michelle Pett Herrin
128 pp Soft Cover, Pub. Date: 1999, Order# 63993

Perfect for every eyecare practice, this handy manual describes the many types of instruments used in ophthalmic and optometric offices. Over 60 different instruments are explained in detail. Each one has a general description, in addition to its use and purpose, and maintenance issues such as minor repairs and cleaning. The instruments include those used to determine visual acuity, the refractive state of the eye, the binocular status of the eye, intraocular pressure, visual field, and the health of the retina. Equipment found in the optical lab is also discussed. This helpful guide will take you through the ever-evolving dynamics of eyecare equipment and its maintenance.

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By Mannis, M.J., Zadnik, K., Coral-Ghanem, C., Kara-José, N.
2004, XIX, 315 p. 89 ills, Soft cover

Even with the advances in intraocular lens technology and the growing diversity of refractive surgery techniques, the role of contact lenses in ophthalmic practice has only increased. This is due in part to the great strides in materials, technology, expanding applications (both refractive and therapeutic) for contact lenses, and the clear recognition that contact lenses will always be an important tool for the ophthalmologist. With the fitting of contact lenses as a medical art, requiring a thorough understanding of anatomy, physiology and optics of the eye, this practice is formulaic only in part. The rest of contact lens practice requires sound medical judgment and decision- making that comes only with "hands-on" experience. The authors address this need by starting with a didactic approach that incorporates frequently-asked questions and straightforward answers so that the ophthalmology resident, intermediate contact lens practitioner and optometrist will find this to be an indispensable resource.

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