What is a COA? COT?
By Anne Dwyer, COMT Obtaining certification as an ophthalmic allied health professional is a significant achievement. In ophthalmology, we are fortunate enough to have the Joint Commission of Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO) as the regulatory agency overseeing certification. This organization certifies individuals as certified ophthalmic assistant (COA), certified ophthalmic technician (COT), certified ophthalmic medical technologist (COMT), and corporate certified ophthalmic assistant (CCOA). The agency also certifies registered ophthalmic ultrasound biometrists (ROUB) and ophthalmic surgical assistants. In order to achieve certification, ophthalmic medical personnel must either graduate from a formal ophthalmic assistant program or perform a specific number of hours of on the job training, under the direct supervision of an ophthalmologist. Once a candidate has satisfied these requirements, he or she may apply to take a written test.
