CE Information
Change of Address Form (PDF)
CE Tracking Form (PDF)
CPR Submission Form (PDF)
Submission Of Courses For CE Approval (PDF)
Frequently Asked Questions
- How does the renewal process work?
You may send in your CEs as you earn them or when you receive your renewal notice. Either time is acceptable. A renewal notice will be sent to you in early November of your renewal year. If you have not received it by November 15th, be sure to contact Terry Theiss at 1-888-263-4676, ext. 218 or terry@opto.ca. Please use the CE Tracking Form to keep a record of what you have earned and what you have submitted. Once all of your documentation and payment have been processed you will receive a “Confirmation of Re-Certification” from CAO, along with a final listing of all CEs earned. If you have not received this by the end of February following your re-certification deadline, again, please contact Terry Theiss. Keep all communication from CAO regarding your certification in a permanent file. - How do I know when it’s time to recertify?
Select Renewal Requirements on the menu to the left and scroll down to Renewal Dates. - What do I do if my address, phone number, or email address changes?
Download the Change of Address Form and submit it to CAO per the instructions at the bottom of the page. Remember, if CAO is not informed of your most current contact information, you may not receive your Re-Certification Renewal Notice. It is your responsibility to keep CAO informed of any changes. - How do I know how many CEs CAO has on file for me?
You should keep track of your hours by always keeping a copy of all CE submitted to CAO in a separate folder. Be sure to download the CE Tracking Form for recording and submitting your CEs. - Is CPR really necessary?
Yes, you must take and pass a CPR course in every 3-year renewal period. Be sure to download the CPR Submission Form for documenting and submitting your proof of a CPR course. - Is any level of CPR acceptable?
Yes, as long as it is live and not online. Be sure to download the CPR Submission Form for documenting and submitting your proof of a CPR course. - Who do I contact at the CAO with my questions about CE?
Contact Terry Theiss at 1-888-263-4676, ext. 218 or terry@opto.ca. - How do I know if CE offered by an organization is acceptable?
Select Renewal Requirements on the menu to the left. Then scroll down to the list of Acceptable Sponsors of Continuing Education. - Can I try to get approval for a course that isn’t pre-approved?
Yes, simply download the CE Course Approval Guidelines and submit the pieces of information described to Terry Theiss (mail to CAO, or e-mail terry@opto.ca, or fax to 613-235-2098). You may need to attend the program to collect the necessary documentation. Once you submit everything, please allow 4-6 weeks for a reply. Terry will notify you of the CE Committee’s decision. - Are my monthly educational office meetings acceptable for CE?If the in-office training is taught by one of your in-house ODs, then it is not acceptable. The CE Committee considers it part of your ongoing job training. If you bring in an outside expert to teach a course, then it may be acceptable. You will have to review the CE Course Approval Guidelines and submit the pieces of information described.
- How can I get Internet-based, on-line CE?Select Online CE and/or Links on the menu to the left. Online CE has a listing of courses offered by the CAO. Links will take you a listing of other websites that offer CE accepted by CAO.
- Is there any CE available by mail?
Yes, we know of one method commonly used. Optical industry journals often include CE articles. Eyecare Business (www.eyecarebiz.com) is the one that assistants use frequently. Search through the journals coming into your practice; you may find others. - What happens if I miss my renewal deadline?Go to Renewal Requirements on the menu to the left and carefully read the section called Late Submission.
Tips for Sources of CE
- Attend courses sponsored by provincial optometric and paraoptometric associations.
- Take a CE course on this website by clicking on Online CE on the menu to the left.
- Join the American Optometric Association’s Paraoptometric Section (a professional membership association). You’ll receive a quarterly newsletter, and you will be entitled to take up to 6 hours of free, on-line CE per year. They have other CE opportunities available to their members, too. Call 314-991-4100 and ask for the Paraoptometric Section or visit www.aoa.org.
- Watch the optical industry journals for articles that grant CE when a short test is successfully completed. (Eyecare Business, Review of Optometry, etc.)
- If your practice belongs to a buying group (e.g.: O.S.I., D.E.N. etc.), take advantage of their seminars.
- Take a course on other websites, where educational sponsors approved by CAO offer CE. Click on Links on the menu to the left.
