Build Specialized Skills with AOA Micro-Credentials
AOA micro-credentials provide optometric professionals with focused opportunities to develop expertise in specific areas of patient care and practice operations. Developed by doctors of optometry and experienced paraoptometric professionals, each program combines targeted education with required assessments designed to demonstrate proficiency in the subject area.
Targeted Expertise
Develop specialized knowledge and practical skills in focused areas of optometric care and practice.
Demonstrated Proficiency
Complete required learning and assessments designed to demonstrate competency in the subject area.
Built for Optometry
Learn through programs developed specifically for the optometric profession by experienced doctors of optometry and paraoptometric professionals.
Explore AOA Micro-Credentials
AVAILABLE NOW
AOA Paraoptometric Micro-Credential: Optometric Surgical Assisting
Build the specialized knowledge and practical skills needed to support optometric surgical care. This program involves two modules: a focused, lecture-style experience available virtually with a hands-on, competency-based workshop training to help paraoptometric professionals strengthen their role on the surgical care team.
MEMBERS ENROLL HERE
Coming Soon - October 2026
AOA Paraoptometric Micro-Credential: Optometric Scribing
Develop skills in documenting patient histories, testing results, refraction and tonometry findings, ocular examinations, diagnostic procedures, treatment plans, referrals, patient education, and follow-up care using industry-standard workflows and documentation practices for optometric EHRs. Through realistic case scenarios, learners will gain hands-on experience creating complete, accurate and compliant EHR records.
Coming Soon
Not an AOA Member? Start Earning Your Micro-Credential Here
The AOA's micro-credential program is available to non-members for additional course fees. Please select the corresponding course link below to get enrolled.
Why Earn an AOA Micro-Credential?
- Strengthen your skills. Gain concentrated education in a defined area of optometric practice and build knowledge you can apply in your role.
- Demonstrate your expertise. Complete competency-based requirements that provide recognition of the specialized knowledge and skills you've developed.
- Bring more value to your practice. Expand the capabilities of the optometric care team while supporting efficient workflows and high-quality patient care.
See the Optometric Surgical Assisting Micro-Credential in Action
Featured ARTICLE
Level up your optometric surgical team: AOA launches surgical assisting coursework
The AOA's micro-credential program for optometric surgical assisting delivers big with a thoughtfully designed course that equips your clinic staff with specialized knowledge and skills. Hear from Heather Schwartz, CPOT, the first paraoptometric technician to gain this micro-credential.
READ MORE
Why Surgical Assisting Training Matters
As optometric practices expand the services they provide, knowledgeable and well-trained paraoptometric professionals play an increasingly important role on the care team.
Hear from Dr. Castillo, the surgical assisting micro-credential instructor, about the skills participants develop, how the training supports the entire optometric team and the value specialized education can bring to both practices and patients.
Questions about Micro-Credentials?
Have questions about AOA micro-credentials, program requirements or upcoming learning opportunities? Contact the AOA Education Center for assistance.
AOA Education Center
Email: educationcenter@aoa.org
Continue Your Professional Development with AOA
Micro-credentials are one part of AOA's broader commitment to education and professional development for the optometric care team. Explore additional opportunities to build your knowledge, advance your skills and grow throughout your career.
