Paraoptometric Appreciation Month

September is Paraoptometric Appreciation Month, the only formal observance dedicated to honoring the practice staff that critically support the delivery of optometric patient care.

September 1 - 30, 2024

With Americans’ increasing demand for primary eye health and vision care services provided by doctors of optometry, paraoptometric staff play a vital role in the efficient and effective delivery of quality patient care. That’s why the AOA is focused on equipping paraoptometric professionals with the education and resources necessary to build skillsets that can help optometrists meet this demand for care.

Paraoptometric Appreciation Month is an opportunity to recognize these staff contributions by sharing appreciation on social media using #AOAParaMonth2024, planning recognition events and giving the gift of AOA associate membership to encourage professional development and staff retention.

Paraoptometric Member Center

How do you enroll paraoptometric staff as AOA associate members?

Enrolling staff as AOA associate members is an easy, cost-free way for AOA member-doctors to grant optometric practice staff access to valuable paraoptometric programs and services, plus discounts on educational materials and event registration fees. Enroll paraoptometric staff here.

AOA associate membership gains staff acces to:

✅ CPC- and AOA-approved education, training and certification materials in AOA EyeLearn.

✅ Member rates for AOA events, such as Optometry’s Meeting.

✅ Volunteer and networking opportunities on a national level.

✅ All CPC, AOA publications and newsletters.

Have questions about enrolling paraoptometric staff or associate member benefits? Contact the AOA Education Center or Member Services to get started today.

AOA Paraoptometric Awareness Month banner with smiling optometric care team
Paraoptometric Resources

Learn about AOA associate membership for paraoptometric staff
Access paraoptometric training & education in AOA EyeLearn
How to earn paraoptometric certifications through the CPC

The AOA offers four levels of Paraoptometric certification, Certified Paraoptometric (CPO), Certified Paraoptometric Assistant (CPOA) and Certified Paraoptometric Technician (CPOT) and Certified Paraoptometric Coder (CPOC).