Printable Version
Feature Article |
Proposed Changes to COA/CCOA & COMT Examination |
All About ACE |
Allied Health Professions Week |
JCAHPO Launches New Certification Level |
Wanted: Instructors and Co-Instructors |
Corporate Sponsors and Suppliers |
Disaster Relief |
New Contact Lens Certificate |
OMP Service Opportunity |
JCAHPO in the News |
2008 Virginia S. Boyce Service Award Winner |
2008 Scholarships |
Certified Personnel |
Distance Learning |
CE Provider Listings |
Take it to the MAX: Maximize Your ACE Experience
Each year, JCAHPO brings together prominent eye care physicians and personnel from around the world to participate in the premier Annual
Continuing Education (ACE) program for ophthalmic personnel. At ACE, attendees can accomplish more in a few days in terms of networking with
industry leaders, earning credits, and learning innovative advances in eye care, than they would otherwise encounter over the course of
several months at home. This is one of the reasons that ACE is such an extraordinary opportunity for ophthalmic personnel. Amid the
innumerable opportunities to learn from prominent leaders, participate in courses, and gain critical skills, however, the experience can be
overwhelming. The event is so comprehensive and large in scope, that it is easy to get lost in the sea of opportunities.
To help maximize your ACE experience this November in Atlanta, we have listed some helpful tips for you to follow.
5 Simple Ways...
PLAN AHEAD AND SAVE!
Making plans well in advance is a way to ensure a positive, productive ACE experience. For one, it can save you money. While onsite
registration is permitted, attendees who complete registration in advance of the October 17, 2008 pre-registration deadline, save
substantially on full-package and per-credit registration. Beyond financial advantages though, planning ahead ensures that your time in
Atlanta will be coordinated and manageable. Decide in advance the amount of time you’ll spend learning, networking, and enjoying your stay in
Atlanta.
DIVERSIFY!
As much as we might want it to be, ACE is not a vacation. Make sure you know this going in, and plan to get serious about
capitalizing on this opportunity to earn credits and learn as much as possible. Don’t go overboard, but try to adhere closely to your
schedule. By following an agenda, you can ensure that you won’t become distracted or overwhelmed by the variety of program events. It is also
a way to make sure you register for a varied selection of courses. Plan to do a little bit of everything (new courses, wet labs, specialty
courses, etc.). The best and most memorable ACE experiences involve building on existing interests and talents as a technician, while still
exploring new and appealing topics or courses. Utilize the safe and constructive learning environment we have provided for attendees at ACE to
become a more informed, well-rounded technician.
MAKE CONTACTS!
A wise individual once said, “It's not what you know but who you know that makes the difference.” The opportunity to communicate with
colleagues and leading physicians from around the world is a part of the ACE experience. You’ve already demonstrated initiative by becoming
a participant in the 2008 JCAHPO ACE program. Take the next step and get involved. People with your shared
professional passion from all over the world will be in attendance, so don’t be shy. This is a chance to make important professional
connections that have the potential to advance your career.
PARTICIPATE, PARTICIPATE, PARTICIPATE!
Be proactive about your ACE experience. Make the effort in your courses by asking questions, introducing yourself to other participants, or
staying after to discuss the newest technologies or procedures with other technicians and doctors. Exceedingly eager individuals can
contribute further by volunteering as an ACE instructor or co-instructor. We are still in need of instructors and co-instructors for Anatomy
and Surgical Assisting workshops at ACE (see Wanted article below). ACE is an opportunity to establish yourself as a leader in this field. In
addition, active participation demonstrates your passion and drive for this field to other ACE attendees and instructors, and helps you gain
the most from each course, lab, or workshop.
STAY ORGANIZED!
Your time in Atlanta will be full of courses, workshops, and opportunities to socialize with other technicians and ophthalmologists;
that’s part of the reason you’re there. In order to make sure you retain all of the new information you acquire, keep a detailed notebook or
schedule close at hand. At the end of a course or activity, try to organize and summarize the new information using key words or brief
explanations of concepts. Doing the same at the end of each day is also a good idea. Ideally, your notes should give you the most important
aspects of each course or lab in a few short sentences. It is easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of activities and neglect to thoroughly
process all the new information you have learned. Think about what will help you remember this course a week or a month from now. When a
physician or colleague asks what you learned at ACE, you want to be able to demonstrate knowledge retention, subject fluency, and confidence.
A little work will help your ACE education go a long way.
The ACE experience is about learning new ideas, meeting new people, and making you an even more valuable asset to your clinic and to your
patients. Take advantage of every opportunity in Atlanta, have fun doing it, and get the most from your ACE experience!
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COA/CCOA & COMT Examination Content Areas
The proposed changes to the COA/CCOA and COMT multiple-choice examination content areas, including percentage and category revisions, will go
into effect in mid-to-late 2009. The results of the 2008 JCAHPO Job Task Analysis (JTA) will be available in January 2009. JCAHPO conducts a JTA every five years to assess the level of science-related content, and to ensure examination content areas
remain relevant to developing ophthalmic care procedures and technologies.
For examinations, JCAHPO will focus exclusively on testing tasks that require technical knowledge and skill. The COA/CCOA and COMT
examinations will include questions from each content area. While COMT-level examination content areas appear similar to those covered at
other certification levels, they assess ophthalmic personnel at a higher level of difficulty. Click on the links below for content area
percentage summaries by designation.
Multiple-choice content area results at the COA/CCOA and COMT levels will be published in the January 2009 issue of Eye Lights.
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All About ACE
The 2008 JCAHPO Annual Continuing Education (ACE) program in Atlanta, GA, November 7-11, is rapidly approaching. JCAHPO’s ACE program is an
opportunity to learn from internationally prominent eye care physicians, and earn credits toward certification. Below is a list of some
important deadlines and information for Atlanta attendees.
Handouts on the Web
A reminder that attendees will NOT receive a handout when entering a classroom. Course handouts are available online to
registrants on the JCAHPO or ATPO Web sites. Log in to the My Account / Online Service Center to access registration information
through the “Meetings” link. Handouts are only available for registered courses. JCAHPO and ATPO will not provide handouts onsite.
Onsite Registration Hours
Friday, November 7 |
7:00 am - 5:00 pm |
Saturday, November 8 |
7:00 am - 4:00 pm |
Sunday, November 9 |
9:00 am - 4:00 pm |
Monday, November 10 |
7:30 am - 4:00 pm |
Tuesday, November 11 |
7:30 am - 11:00 am |
Visit JCAHPO's Exhibit Hall Booth #4223
In cooperation with the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), JCAHPO & ATPO offer access to the Exhibit Hall in
Atlanta.
Passes are available to JCAHPO & ATPO members at a reduced fee of $75, and are valid from November 8-11. Visit the JCAHPO booth and see
a live demonstration of the JCAHPO and CLAO Contact Lens Learning Systems® training software.
Bringing the Bookstore to You!
The JCAHPO onsite bookstore is back by popular demand! Take advantage of the opportunity to stock up on important education
materials that help make certification and recertification fast and easy. Visitors will find JCAHPO's catalog of educational products available for
purchase onsite, including Flash Cards, Refinements, Learning Systems®, and much more!
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Celebrate Allied Health Professions Week! November 2-8, 2008
The Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO) is teaming with the Association of Technical Personnel in
Ophthalmology (ATPO) to celebrate National Allied Health Professions Week, November 2-8, 2008. This year’s event is dedicated to raising
public awareness about the value of allied health professionals in modern health care. Take time to show appreciation to ophthalmic
technicians and assistants for their hard work and dedication to eye care excellence!
As health care continues to be one of the fastest growing industries, we need to rely on the hard work and commitment of allied health
professionals in order to maintain quality care. Celebrating National Allied Health Professions Week is a chance to recognize and validate
the important contributions this profession makes to the health care community.
Download the AHPW Promotional Kit.
All downloads are in Adobe Acrobat PDF format
This kit contains the following downloadable documents and reference materials:
JCAHPO and ATPO salute ophthalmic personnel from the around the world for their continued commitment to eye care excellence.
Did you know???
- There are approximately 11 million health care workers in the United States?
- Of those, an estimated 60 percent are classified as Allied Health Professionals?
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JCAHPO Launches New Certification Level
JCAHPO is committed to ongoing development of continuing education and certification opportunities for ophthalmic medical personnel (OMP)
that reflect the changing face of 21st century eye care. In keeping with this commitment, we are pleased to announce the launch of our
latest credential: Certified Diagnostic Ophthalmic Sonographer (CDOS). The CDOS designation will provide OMP working with B-Scan ultrasound
access to an advanced level of certification that equips them with the knowledge and resources to provide quality patient care.
JCAHPO’s new CDOS designation will serve as the equivalent to the former RDMS (OP) certification. In accordance with the CDOS designation
launch, ARDMS will no longer be maintaining any credentialing requirements or annual fees for individuals who hold an RDMS (OP) specialty.
Personnel who hold the RDMS (OP) credential will now follow JCAHPO’s policies and procedures; however, we will temporarily accept credits
from the same approved programs as ARDMS. It is required that ten credits focus exclusively on ophthalmic content: anatomy and physiology,
biometry, instrumentation, or pathology. Fifteen credits may apply to other ophthalmic content.
We welcome all RDMS (OP) and future CDOS certificants to JCAHPO. With over 17,000 certificants worldwide, JCAHPO certified ophthalmic
personnel are highly-skilled, trained, and committed to enhancing the availability of quality eye care. We are excited about the addition of
the CDOS designation, and look forward to serving the needs of new certificants in pursuit of eye care excellence.
For additional information or clarification on the CDOS designation, contact JCAHPO at (800) 284-3937.
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Wanted: Instructors and Co-Instructors
Establish yourself as a leader in the eye care field! Instructors and co-instructors for JCAHPO’s 36th Annual Continuing Education program
are still needed for Anatomy workshops on Friday, November 7th, and Surgical Assisting workshops on Monday, November 10th, in Atlanta.
Contact aglassing@jcahpo.org in JCAHPO’s Education Department for details! Support certification and continuing education for eye care excellence.
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ACE Supplier/Instrument and Corporate Sponsors
JCAHPO is pleased to have support for the 2008 Annual Continuing Education (ACE) program of select corporate sponsors, eye care suppliers,
and instrument development companies. The creation and availability of innovative eye care support and technology are essential for improving the quality of eye care
in clinics around the world. Click here for a complete list of ACE corporate sponsors and instrument suppliers.
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JCAHPO Foundation Disaster Relief Fund
In the wake of recent tragedies along the gulf coast, the Foundation Board of Directors recently voted to establish a Disaster Relief
Fund to help those affected by recent hurricanes Gustav and Ike. Applications and guidelines are available on the
Foundation’s Web site.
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Contact Lens Certificate of Completion
JCAHPO is currently developing a unique specialty certificate of completion related to Contact Lens. Visit the JCAHPO Web site for
periodic updates regarding this exclusive certificate.
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OMP Service Opportunity
The Caridad Center, a Florida-based community health and education outreach organization, is seeking eager and qualified ophthalmic personnel
to help make a difference in the lives of individuals unable to afford adequate eye care. The organization recently introduced the
“Vision Van” program to residents of Palm Beach County, FL, as part of an ongoing initiative launched in June 2007 to provide comprehensive
community eye care to those in need.
The Caridad Center’s mission is to upgrade the health, education, and living standards for the children and families of agricultural workers,
laborers, and the under-served. The vision project is headed by volunteer ophthalmologist Louis T. Feldgoise, MD, who says this is a great
opportunity for OMP to get involved and to improve the quality of life for individuals unable to afford basic eye care.
The “Vision Van” is outfitted as an eye clinic and permanently located adjacent to the Caridad Center in Boynton Beach, FL. Visiting patients
will have access to basic and comprehensive eye care, including eye glass examinations, and diagnosis and management of complex eye conditions
such as glaucoma and diabetic eye disease. Several volunteer ophthalmologists in the county offer referral support for more complex cases.
Clinic Director Carmen Nieves notes that “the ‘Vision Van’ service gives us more flexibility and enables us to serve many more people in need.”
Personnel interested in volunteering for the community service program can contact Dr. Feldgoise at (561) 313-1579 or visit
www.caridad.org for additional program information and service opportunities.
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JCAHPO in the News
Promoting the value of certification and continuing education for ophthalmic personnel is an important part of JCAHPO’s mission.
Click here to read an article about the recently redesigned JCAHPO Web site featured in Ophthalmology
Management magazine.
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2008 Virginia S. Boyce Service Award Winner
The Board of Directors of the JCAHPO Education and Research Foundation is pleased to announce that the recipient of the 2008 Virginia S.
Boyce Service Award is Teotimo (Tim) Mendez. Mr. Mendez is honored with this prestigious award for his extraordinary service to the
international eye care community. He has participated in volunteer missions and provided valuable care and assistance to underprivileged
patients in developing countries around the world. He has also been instrumental in helping to train ophthalmic nurses, scrub techs, and
residents on important eye care protocol in remote regions. Mr. Mendez has helped establish volunteer programs in Mexico, and volunteered
alongside ophthalmologists to treat those who cannot afford basic eye care. For his steadfast commitment to raising the quality of patient
care worldwide and for his volunteer work in the eye care field, Tim will be awarded a $500 travel grant to JCAHPO’s 2008 ACE program in Atlanta, GA.
The Foundation is proud to honor Mr. Mendez with this award for his dedicated voluntary public service contributions to the international eye care community.
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2008 Scholarships
The JCAHPO Education and Research Foundation is pleased to have awarded 53 scholarships totaling $35,617 in 2008.
Certification Scholarships
Eleven (11) ophthalmic medical personnel wishing to advance in the field received scholarships ranging from $125-$200, and totaling $1,775 to assist with JCAHPO certification examinations.
Continuing Education Scholarships
- Five recipients received a total of $1,950 in scholarships ranging from $300-$500 for writing questions for JCAHPO COA examinations,
and listing ideas on how to recruit more ophthalmic allied health personnel into the field.
- Through the Foundation, the Association of Technical Personnel in Ophthalmology (ATPO) awarded two (2) $500 scholarships for essays
titled, “My Most Rewarding Patient Experience.”
- Alimera Sciences, Inc., contributed funding for one (1) $250 scholarship for an essay titled, “The Role of the Technician in Diabetic
Patient Education.”
Program Scholarships
Thirty-two (32) students in training programs for ophthalmic assistants, technicians, technologists,
and orthoptists received scholarships ranging from $270-$1850, and totaling $28,142.
2008 Harold A. Stein, MD, FRCS(C) Prize for Best Scientific Paper
Congratulations to Craig Simms, COMT, ROUB, of Calgary, AB, Canada, who received a $2,000 prize for his paper titled,
“The Role of 20MHz Anterior Segment B-Scan.”
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