ST. LOUIS—The American Optometric Association (AOA) is celebrating September as Paraoptometric Appreciation Month, its formal observation of optometric practice staff who support the delivery of patient eyecare. As September winds down, there is still plenty of time for independent ECPs to show support for their paraoptometric teams—and the AOA provides several resources and suggestions to make that even easier. Firstly, the AOA recommends enrolling staff as AOA associate members, a cost-free way for AOA member-doctors to give their staff access to paraoptometric training programs and services, educational materials and discounts on event registration fees. More information is available here.

The AOA also suggests that ECPs encourage paraoptometric certification. This certification, developed by a panel of AOA doctors and paraoptometrics, ensures that practice staff stay current on contemporary CE and professional development, the Association said. Each level of certification requires successful completion of an exam prepared and administered by the Commission on Paraoptometric Certification (CPC), with the assistance of Professional Testing Corporation (PTC), to ensure mastery of the specific skill sets, as reported in VMAIL.

The AOA also encourages using the CPC Paraoptometric Examination Candidate Handbook, which can help candidates better understand the processes and procedures to become certified, as well as how to renew their certification.

Relatedly, the AOA suggests ECPs engage on the EyeLearn Professional Development Hub, a member-exclusive, centralized education resource with an expanding catalogue of CE and professional development courses, webinars and resources.

Finally, the AOA encourages members, and the industry at large, to recognize staff contributions this month and year-round by sharing appreciation on social media. Throughout September, use the hashtag #AOAParaMonth2024.

The team at Eagle Vision in Longmont, Colo., celebrated its paraoptometric team in early September. Image via eaglevision2080 on Instagram


Appalachian Eye Care, with three locations in West Virgnia, shared appreciation for its paraoptometric staff on Instagram. Image via appeyecare on Instagram