Testimonials

"I have found the AOA Paraoptometric Section to be both helpful and quick to respond to my questions about continuing education availability and study materials. This organization has been extremely helpful to me and I have shared information with my coworkers which was beneficial to us both. Thanks so much for your professional and quick support."

Diane Hesse, CPO

"From the time I received my first pen-light, I knew that being a technician would become more than just a job-it would be my career. As many paraoptometric/optometric staff, I have held just about every role in an optician's office, from front desk to optical to Office Manager. I am very thankful that a doctor took a chance on a young lady without a true career path 26 years ago and wish to inspire those in this field to see their role as more than "just a job" and to be encouraged in the fact that the role they play in preserving their patient's vision is larger than they will ever realize."

Rebecca L. Johnson, CPOT, COT, COE

"It is so rewarding when we help a patient with glaucoma, help fit a three year old with their first pair of glasses, or give a preteen their first pair of contacts. It is exciting to have that relationship with patients and to rejoice when they have good news or empathize with them when they are feeling down.

Our jobs go far beyond assisting with the patients vision care needs, because sometimes we have to take care of their hearts too."

Teresa Stokes, CPOT

"In 1956, with bookkeeping and shorthand knowledge I was prepared to be "the little girl out front". My job responsibilities included scheduling appointments, answering the telephone, billing, and receiving payments. My responsibilities in the office progressed for 50 years and have been very diversified. I would encourage any young person with a good knowledge of math, a desire to be in the medical field, and a dedication to making the world a better place would definitely consider his/her career in paraoptometry."

Theola Amundson, CPOT

"The AOA Paraoptometric Section's certification preparation materials and the CPC's certification program have been a superb source of training and certification for the optometric assistants in my practice."

Dr. Richard Smart

"Back in February of this year I hired a young girl in my office with absolutely no experience to train as an assistant. In fact, she was a waitress and bartender at Ruby Tuesday's restaurant and, admittedly, I had my doubts. My office manager convinced me to give her a shot. She had never been involved in an atmosphere where learning and growing were not only valued but rewarded. She continued to impress me with her awesome 'work ethic' and her realization that there was an incredible amount of 'things to learn' in this "profession called optometry". She realized that there was actually an organization that she could 'be a part of', something bigger than just 'working in an office'....to gain experience in a field/career that she might be able to take with her wherever she goes. I look forward to watching her work toward certification. As a former clinical preceptor at NECO, I enjoy seeing the 'glint' in the eye of students and/or employees who finally "get it" (whatever 'it' may be)!"

Philip Goldthwait, OD

"Our office is fortunate to having very dedicated employees. I agree paraoptometric/optometric staff play an integral part in the success of the practice. We have a certified paraoptometric who promotes paraoptometric/optometric staff as a profession; organizes or attends education, or brings back ideas to improve our office. She also encourages other staff members to attend education courses or read articles to improve their knowledge of optometry. I also have a paraoptometric/Board Certified Optician who is extremely educated in the optical end of our office. I provide full funding for education, dues, and re-certification fees in their respective fields.

I would like to express my appreciation to the AOA Paraoptometric Section and the Commission on Paraoptometric Certification for all it has done to improve my office."

Daniel Hedlund, OD

"Paraoptometrics are an integral part to the success of our practice, as well as the profession of Optometry as a whole. Thanks for all you do!"

Lyn Desjardins,OD

"There are several advantages to having a certified individual in my practice. First, the knowledge they have acquired during the process is priceless. They are able to guide the patients through the exam process easier and more professionally. Being certified also gives the technician a level of confidence in their abilities."

Michael K. Smith, OD

"Paraoptometrics are a great asset to our profession in so many ways. The paraoptometric/optometric staff in our office show enthusiasm towards patient care and take pride in their abilities."

Michael Reed, OD

"A well trained staff brings me solutions, not problems. Educated paraoptometric/optometric staff have a better understanding of what a situation is and how to deal effectively with it. They better understand what they know and what they don't know, what their limits are. Those limitations become lessened with knowledge so they are less apt to make errors in judgment and able to provide better patient care."

Peter Guhl, OD

"The better trained my assistants are, the higher quality of care my patients receive."

Dr. Richard Smart

"Since 1986, I have adopted an attitude that to be successful a primary eye care practice should have an efficient, dependable and knowledgeable staff. In order to provide the best care to our patients, we must have supportive and well trained paraoptometric/optometric staff."

Rodolfo Rodriguez, OD

"The paraoptometric program is essential to the profession of optometry. A highly trained staff increases morale, enhances quality of care and promotes teamwork in the care of our patients. Paraoptometry also advocates life-long learning and encourages staff to think of their work as a career rather than a job. As healthcare changes, we must continue to position ourselves and our staff as competent, well-trained professionals. Paraoptometry is integral to the continuing success of our profession."

Steven T. Reed, OD

"I can honestly say that without their (staff) highly skilled expertise, our practice would go from being a finely tuned machine to a real gas guzzling clunker. Our practice continually supports those of our staff who wish to complete higher levels of technical paraoptometric training. From an optometrist's standpoint, they are the pillars on which the practice stands, and from the patient's standpoint they are often the factor that keeps them coming back year after year."

Timothy Kearins, OD

"Doctors of optometry have long known that the road to their success starts with their staff. Having a valuable, trustworthy, and knowledgeable staff will drive you from a mediocre practice to a successful one. This starts with having your staff being certified."

David K. May, OD