Paraoptometric Membership
All paraoptometrics/optometric staff of American Optometric (AOA) member doctors may become AOA associate members and have access to all current Paraoptometric Resource Center (PRC) member benefits and services.
The AOA has opened the Call for Courses for inclusion in Optometry’s Meeting® 2021, AOA’s 2021 Virtual Learning Livecast and AOA’s EyeLearn: Professional Development Hub. Being accepted as a speaker for any of these opportunities requires an AOA membership, and we are seeking qualified and knowledgeable paraoptometrics to help advance the way the AOA educates optometric staff on how they can contribute to advancing the practice of contemporary optometry and patient care. Click above to learn more and to submit lecture and workshop courses. All applications must be submitted online by Oct. 4, 2020. See frequently asked questions.
This AOA-member benefit means free access to programs and services that offer education and staff training, significant discounts on education materials for purchase, discounts on registration fees for Optometry's Meeting®, and information communicated through AOA email and publications.
How do I enroll as an AOA associate member?
All paraoptometrics/optometric staff of AOA-member doctors of optometry (except for other doctors) may become AOA associate members and have access to all current Paraoptometric Resource Center (PRC) member benefits and services. This membership is available as part of the doctor of optometry's AOA membership benefits, at no cost to the paraoptometric and no added membership cost to the member doctor. Paraoptometrics interested in gaining access to these resources should request that their AOA-member doctor enroll them.
AOA associate membership provides free access to programs and services that offer education and staff training, significant discounts on education materials for purchase through the AOA Marketplace, discounts on registration fees for Optometry's Meeting and access to information communicated through AOA publications.
Information needed to enroll staff:
- Legal name of staff (as it appears on driver's license).
- Date of birth.
- Unique email address for each staff person (do not use a shared office email).
How to enroll:
The AOA member doctor of optometry, or their designee, should:
- Visit the Manage Staff page in MyAOA (AOA doctor of optometry username and password required to log in).
- Login using a member doctor's username and password.
- Enter information for each staff person (non-doctor).
Note: Only one doctor per practice should enroll an individual staff person; multiple sponsorship requests for the same individual cannot be honored.
How to renew membership
After the initial enrollment, your membership will automatically renew each January that you remain employed by the enrolling AOA member doctor.
What if I am not employed by an AOA member doctor?
For more information, please contact Member Services.
Benefits Available to Members
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Volunteer opportunities
The Commission on Paraoptometric Certification is seeking doctors of optometry and certified paraoptometric staff who are interested in volunteering with various committees and workgroups. Learn new skills—and earn CE—by participating. Find more details on volunteering oppotunities, complete the volunteer interest form or email CPC@aoa.org for more information.
Paraoptometric Month
September 2020
Paraoptometric Month is an opportunity to recognize paraoptometrics for the value they contribute to the success of an optometric practice. It is the only formal observance in the nation specifically intended to honor optometric practice staff. Recognition of paraoptometry as a profession hinges on the strength of paraoptometric members and support of doctors of optometry and other health care providers. Paraoptometric Month is observed annually during the month of September by the AOA Paraoptometric Resource Center (PRC). Doctors are encouraged to be creative in planning their recognition of staff. Thank you for supporting and valuing your staff.
Paraoptometric Awards
Paraoptometric of the Year Award
The American Optometric Association Paraoptometric of the Year award recognizes a deserving individual paraoptometric who has made outstanding contributions to the profession of optometry, patients and the public.
Paraoptometric Community Service Award
The American Optometric Association Paraoptometric Community Service Award recognizes a deserving AOA paraoptometric individual who has generously donated his or her time and talents to the profession of optometry, patients and the public.
CPC Lifetime Achievement Award
As a way to honor retired certified paraoptometrics, the Commission on Paraoptometric Certification offers "The Lifetime Achievement award." This award recognizes those who are currently retired and who have served the profession of optometry by continually giving of themselves in areas of patient eye care, office management, mentoring colleagues and in service to the paraoptometric profession.
Have questions? Need help?
Member Services
800.365.2219
Education Center
Phone: 800.365.2219
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Doctors of optometry may enroll their paraoptometric staff as associate members at no additional membership dues for the AOA-member doctor. Once enrolled as associate members, doctors' staff members automatically have access to the Paraoptometric Resource Center's career development resources.
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