The CCOA Program is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals of optometric assistance. It offers advanced knowledge of essential equipment, procedures, and techniques required for the efficient and effective operation of an optometric office.
Program completion includes 9 online theoretical modules, a mandatory 2 day in person workshop and a final examination.
Module Assignments and Quizzes
All content and assessments are structured around each module’s learning objectives.
The assignment and quiz questions are based on the content of the study guide and interactive module.
Each module assignment and quizzes must be completed online by the deadline. If the deadline is missed, the assistant may request an extension, subject to a fee
The Practical Skills Checklist
Modules 1, 4 and 9 do not have a checklist.
The practical skills checklist is designed to help the assistant develop hands-on skills by applying the theory learned from the Study Guide and Interactive Module. It is essential for the assistant to have supervised opportunities to work in the clinic areas relevant to the module they are studying.
The checklists must be completed as the assistant progresses through each module. Each skill must be demonstrated, assessed, and validated by the Examiner (see below). The Examiner must initial and date the checklist once each skill has been mastered.
The checklist must be submitted online by the module’s deadline. If the deadline is missed, the assistant may request an extension, subject to a fee.
Authorized examiners
All examiners must identify themselves by completing the information on the second page of the Practical Skills Checklists.
Examiners are restricted to:
- CAO member optometrist or;
- CCOA in good standing, working under the direct supervision of the member optometrist
- Licensed optician
Access to equipment
To be eligible for CCOA designation, all assistants must be trained to the standards set by the CCOA Program.
If meeting certain skill requirements in the sponsoring clinic is challenging due to a lack of equipment, the supervising optometrist should arrange for the assistant to acquire these skills at another optometric office.
Final Examination
Once the assistant has completed all 9 modules and attended the workshop, they are eligible to write the CCOA final examination. This is a 100 multiple choice question exam with a two-hour limit.
Assistants have one original attempt at the exam (including with the registration fee) and have the opportunity for 2 additional attempts (if required). Rewrite fees apply.
For more information on the final examination, click here.