Paraoptometric Recognition Week

Paraoptometric Recognition Week, observed annually during the third week of September (September 14-20, 2008) by the American Optometric Association Paraoptometric Section (AOAPS), is perhaps the only formal observance in the nation specifically intended to honor optometric practice staff. Now in its sixth year, Paraoptometric Recognition Week is designed to honor paraoptometrics for their dedication to the patients they serve as well as to the profession of optometry. Moreover, the observance is designed to encourage paraoptometrics to think of themselves as professionals, take pride in their responsibilities, and pursue professional development.

Recognition of paraoptometry as a profession hinges on the strength of the paraoptometric members and support of optometrists and other health care providers. By paraoptometrics seeking education, acquiring new skills and becoming certified, the high standards for the profession will challenge other support personnel who work within the profession to do the same. A certified paraoptometric demonstrates a commitment to the practice of paraoptometry by an increased level of competence and performance. Certified staff will enhance patient satisfaction, and increase the potential for additional referrals and revenue.

Sue McAteer, CPOT, Immediate Past Chair of the AOA Paraoptometric Section emphasizes that the success of the Paraoptometric Recognition Week depends also on doctor participation. This recognition is another opportunity to build on the great team relationship between optometrists and paraoptometrics.

The AOA Paraoptometric Section suggests a variety of ways to celebrate the week, and provides Paraoptometric Recognition Week Promotional Kits free-of-charge to help in making plans for the observance. Kits may be requested by sending an e-mail to jvmurphy@aoa.org.

Doctors are encouraged to be creative in planning their festivities. Suggestions include:

providing a Paraoptometric Section membership for a paraoptometric in the office
treating staff to lunch or dinner
outfitting staff with AOA apparel and gift items
gift certificates
flowers or candy

The activity or gesture may be big or may be quietly expressed; either way, doctors are urged to participate in this opportunity to extend appreciation to paraoptometrics.

To learn more, click on these links for information on Paraoptometric Section Membership or Certification.

Some interesting facts about the paraoptometric profession and the Section:

The AOA Paraoptometric Section was developed in 1978.
The Section gains approximately 40 new members per month. The membership is made up of optometric assistants, technicians, front office staff and office managers, as well as opticians. Some staff is dually certified as optometric assistants and technicians as well as opticians, NCLE, COA, and COT. All allied health personnel are welcome members of the Section.
Out of 2,070 members, 812 are Certified Paraoptometrics, 605 are Certified Paraoptometric Assistants, and 196 are Certified Paraoptometric Technicians.
In a 2005 survey, 52.1 percent said they worked for an solo practicing optometrists while approximately two in five were employed by optometrists in group practices.
Most paraoptometrics work in small communities - for example, the largest proportion of survey respondents, 31.1 percent, worked in communities of 25,000 or less. Only 6.8 percent worked in urban or suburban communities of 500,000 or greater populations.
82 percent of employers encouraged participation in local, state, and/or national paraoptometric associations, while more than 80.5 percent of employers pay all financial participation in such organizations.
92 percent of employers are strong supporters of continuing education programs for their optometric staff.
Nearly three out of five or 78.5 percent of employers pay some or all of the costs to sending paraoptometrics to continuing education seminars.
Some 53.2 percent of the employers of surveyed paraoptometrics paid all expenses, including registration, travel, and related costs of education.
Two out of five surveyed paraoptometrics had 11 years or more of professional experience.