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Join the largest organization serving paraoptometrics.

Do you work with an AOA-member doctor? You can get access to valuable paraoptometric programs and services at no additional cost, plus discounts on educational materials and event registration fees. Learn more about why you should join today.

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Regulatory and Coding

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

HIPAA requires covered entities and their business associates to protect the privacy and security of protected health information (PHI). It also provides patients with rights to their PHI. HIPAA's Privacy Rule restricts the use and disclosure of individual's PHI. The Security Rule requires administrative, technical and physical safeguards to ensure the confidentiality, integrity and availability of electronic PHI.

Fairness to Contact Lens Consumers Act (FCLCA)

With a growing number of websites and small retailers continuing to illegally offer decorative, non-corrective contact lenses for sale without prescription, doctors of optometry should be diligent in reporting all adverse events associated with such lenses.

Medicare & Insurance

The AOA provides information and resources to assist members in staying abreast of the numerous Medicare rules and regulations. The AOA also advocates directly with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding issues of concern to the optometric profession.

Medical Records and Coding

Coding and reimbursement is designed to educate doctors and staff on medical recordkeeping and documentation, compliance and coding. The guidance received by the coding experts will support doctors and staff in providing the best possible patient care while ensuring accurate reimbursements are received.

Education and Certification

Finding and Reporting CE

Educational opportunities serve as resources for those optometric staff new to the field, or for those experienced staff, interested in keeping up with changes in optometry.

Paraoptometric Certification & Renewal

Paraoptometric certification is a program developed by a respected panel of American Optometric Association (AOA) certified paraoptometrics and doctors of optometry, created to encourage continuing education and knowledge as the field of optometric assisting grows.

Paraoptometric Continuing Education

Educational opportunities serve as resources for those optometric staff new to the field, or for those experienced staff, interested in keeping up with changes in optometry.

EyeLearn

AOA’s member-exclusive centralized education portal, EyeLearn, offers an expanding online catalog of educational modules, webinars and resources to help advance clinical proficiencies, the practice of contemporary optometry, and practice management for doctors of optometry, future doctors of optometry, and paraoptometric staff. In an effort to support professional development for the field of optometry, select courses may be available to all individuals in the profession.

Upcoming Events

2023-12-14
Advanced Procedures Course 2023

8741 Ryckert St, Lenexa, KS 66219

2023-12-20
2023 Finishing Touches CE

Event Calendar
Featured Event

Optometry's Meeting 2023

Washington, D.C.

With expert-led continuing education and professional development (CEE/TQ, AOA CE hours, CPC and COPE credit) available for doctors, paraoptometrics and students, Optometry’s Meeting delivers education that supports every member of the care team. From courses focused on office-based surgical skills and procedures to practical guidance on everything from building a medical contact lens practice to financially preparing for every stage of your career, Optometry’s Meeting is packed with discovery, interdisciplinary collaboration and experiential opportunities.

Like no other meeting, Optometry's Meeting gives every doctor, student and paraoptometric or industry professional the unprecedented opportunity to effect lasting change in our profession and make the AOA a stronger, more effective advocate for the quality eye health and vision care services you provide your patients.

Related News

131 vision-friendly holiday gifts for children

For several years, Kellye Knueppel, O.D., who practices in Wisconsin, has published a list of toys and games that can support the development of children’s vision. Find out what’s on her “nice” list.

AOA’s prestigious leadership program graduates another class

Learn how you can apply or nominate a doctor of optometry for the 2024 AOA Leadership Institute.

Through the eyes of students

Those who dwell in the past live in the past. Those who think and plan for the future will live that future.