The Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO) was established in
1969 by 6 physician ophthalmology organizations to offer certification and continuing education
opportunities to ophthalmic allied health personnel. Since then, more than 27,000 people in the
U.S., Canada, and around the world have earned JCAHPO certification.
JCAHPO is governed by a volunteer board of directors, comprised of representatives from participating ophthalmic organizations, and a
public member. The Certification Committee, a committee of the Board of Directors, governs JCAHPO certification. It provides the jobrelated insight necessary to ensure that the examinations are relevant and valid, and monitors procedures to ensure that examinations are
administered fairly and under proper conditions.
JCAHPO has designed the certification process to serve important public needs as well as those of the ophthalmic assisting
community by:
• Setting specific and measurable standards for Allied Ophthalmic Personnel (AOP) knowledge and skills
• Formally recognizing the AOPs who have met those standards
• Providing official confirmation of certificants’ qualifications to employers and the public
JCAHPO Contact Information
2025 Woodlane Drive, St. Paul, MN 55125-2998
Toll Free: (800) 284-3937; Phone: (651) 731-2944; FAX: (651) 731-0410
Email: [email protected]; Website: www.jcahpo.org
Membership Organizations
Membership in one’s professional association is very important. Participation in your
professional association exemplifies your value as part of the ophthalmic team. ATPO and CSOMP
are organizations of high standards and professional ethics dedicated to quality ophthalmic
medical care. Both contribute to the continued growth and success of technicians by providing
opportunities for advanced continuing education, networking, and professional products and
resources.
Association of Technical Personnel
in Ophthalmology (ATPO®)
ATPO’s mission is to provide,
expand, and support scientific
and educational opportunities
Association of Technical Personnel in Ophthalmology
for allied health personnel in
ophthalmology, and to act as an advocate for its members and
the profession.
Value of ATPO Membership
For over 40 years, ATPO and its members have dedicated
themselves to the success of ophthalmic medical personnel.
ATPO represents a diverse group of ophthalmic medical
professionals (but not limited to) ophthalmic assistants,
technicians, technologists, surgical and keratorefractive
technicians, photographers, nurses and orthoptists.
ATPO Contact Information
2025 Woodlane Drive, St. Paul, MN 55125-2998
Toll Free: (800) 482-4858; Phone: (651) 731-7245
FAX: (651) 731-0410
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.atpo.org
Canadian Society of
Ophthalmic Medical Personnel
(CSOMP®)
The Canadian Society of Ophthalmic
Medical Personnel (CSOMP) represents
all allied health care personnel in
ophthalmology working in Canada.
The goals of CSOMP are to work in
association with the Canadian Medical
Association in accrediting new ophthalmic programs in
Canada, to provide continuing education and to maintain a
strong membership consisting of all Canadian ophthalmic
medical personnel.
CSOMP Contact Information
Canadian Society of Ophthalmic Medical Personnel
c/o COS
1525 Carling Avenue Suite 610
Ottawa, ON K1Z 8R9 Canada
Email: [email protected]
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