News

ACE Program Educates Eye Care Professionals

Eye care personnel met in San Francisco in late October for the world’s leading continuing education (CE) and certification event for ophthalmic technicians. The Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO) held its 37^th Annual Continuing Education (ACE) program October 23-27, as a way for eye care personnel to earn continuing education credit, network with industry professionals, and discover emerging techniques in ophthalmology.

Incorporated in 1969, JCAHPO was established to offer opportunities in education and certification to ophthalmic allied health personnel. JCAHPO’s mission is to enhance the quality and availability of ophthalmic patient care by promoting the value of qualified allied health personnel and by providing certification and education. The organization began its series of Annual CE events in 1971 to unite ophthalmic professionals in the pursuit of better education and training.

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JCAHPO Names New President

Ophthalmologist William H. Ehlers, MD began his term as the 20th President of the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO®) August 1, 2009. He succeeds Canadian ophthalmologist William F. Astle, MD, FRCS(C), Dipl. ABO, who served as JCAHPO’s President from 2007-2009.

JCAHPO is pleased to have Dr. Ehlers’ unique experience and strong leadership in the continuing pursuit of excellence in eye care.

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Earn Credits Online – JCAHPO’s New Webinar Series

The latest way to take courses and earn continuing education credits online is through JCAHPO’s new Webinar (Web-based seminar) series.

Together with the Association of Technical Personnel in Ophthalmology (ATPO^®), JCAHPO will co-host the online series monthly on current topics in eye care. The first course titled, “Neuro-ophthalmology Diagnoses You Can’t Afford to Miss” will be presented by JCAHPO Secretary of Education Karl C. Golnik, MD, MEd (date pending). The cost for each webinar registrant is $18.00.

This course will cover deadly and/or blinding conditions such as giant cell arteritis, Horner syndrome, and oculomotor cranial nerve palsy. Following successful completion of a post-webinar quiz, registrants will be awarded 1 JCAHPO Group A credit.

Check back for the premier broadcast date and more information on this new online resource for OMP.

Swine Flu (H1N1) Awareness

In light of the recent swine flu (H1N1) outbreak, personnel should be mindful of warning signs and symptoms to reduce potential spread, and respond responsibly and accordingly.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention Web site remains the most credible information resource available. Symptoms, guidance, and prevention information can be found on the following pages:

• CDC H1N1 flu page: www.cdc.gov/swineflu
• CDC guidance for professionals: www.cdc.gov/swineflu/guidance/

New! Ophthalmic Assistant Career Advancement Tool

Order before February 6 and Save $15!

Introducing the latest learning resource for entry-level ophthalmic medical personnel (OMP): The JCAHPO Ophthalmic Assistant Career Advancement Tool (JCAT).

As the leading provider of OMP education, JCAHPO has packaged this tool as a convenient way for eager, career-minded personnel to become familiar with the responsibilities of an ophthalmic assistant as well as become eligible to take the COA level examination. The package includes “The Ophthalmic Assistant”, 8th Ed. by Stein, Stein, and Freeman, one of the profession’s leading educational references. The JCAT independent study course includes over 175 quiz items that test comprehension, and a unique study plan that outlines the text's most important content and provides study hints for assistant level education.

Call (800) 284-3937 for details or information on how to purchase JCAHPO’s New Ophthalmic Assistant Career Advancement Tool today!

New! Contact Lens Fitting Certificate of Completion

Order before February 6 and Save $10!

The latest resource available for OMP is the Contact Lens Fitting Certificate of Completion. JCAHPO has assembled this self-study package to give OMP an educational and training advantage in this key category of eye care.

OMP play an important role in helping patients better understand contact lens fitting use and care procedures. This certificate of completion will demonstrate that OMP have gained more knowledge in contact lens fitting through completion of study composed of a diverse selection of top-quality, JCAHPO-approved educational resources.

The certificate of completion package is comprised of prerequisite study, a case study log for 12 patients, and a final multiple-choice examination.

Additional certificates coming in 2009.

New COT Exam Packaging

Beginning January 1, 2009, the COT Multiple-choice Exam and Skill Evaluation will be available at a reduced application fee. In an effort to streamline the COT application process, both the Skill Evaluation and Multiple-choice Exam will be available at a packaged price of $325 for the first attempt.

While the application is now available at the reduced fee, personnel will be charged re-test fees at the following rates:

The practice test will remain available for an additional $85 for personnel wishing to become familiarized with the computerized format. Personnel who take and pass all components of the COT practice exam will be granted COT certification. A reminder that practice tests may only be taken before beginning the official Skill Evaluation testing.