Ophthalmic credentials, explained
Ophthalmic assistants and technicians can earn certifications from IJCAHPO that show their skills at each stage of their career. Here's what each one means, and how many jobs on Ophthalmic Tech Jobs ask for it.
The core ladder
COACertified Ophthalmic Assistant
- What it signals
- The entry-level core certification. It shows a solid foundation in the clinical skills used in everyday patient workups.
- Typical stage
- Early career. For most people, it's the first certification.
COTCertified Ophthalmic Technician
- What it signals
- The middle core certification, for COAs advancing their careers or graduates of a COT training program.
- Typical stage
- Mid-career technicians.
COMTCertified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist
- What it signals
- The advanced core certification, for professionals who have progressed through COA and COT or graduated from a COMT training program.
- Typical stage
- Advanced, senior, and lead roles.
No jobs asking for COMT right now
Specialty credentials
| Credential | What it covers | Jobs on the board |
|---|---|---|
| OSAOphthalmic Surgical Assisting | Procedures and instruments used to assist in ophthalmic surgery | 0 |
| CDOSCertified Diagnostic Ophthalmic Sonographer | Eye exams using ultrasound, including B-scan | 0 |
| ROUBRegistered Ophthalmic Ultrasound Biometrist | Measuring the eye with A-scan biometry | 0 |
| CRTCertified Retina Technician | Knowledge specific to retina care | 0 |
| OSCOphthalmic Scribe Certification | Creating and maintaining patient records under an ophthalmologist's supervision | 2 |
| CCOACorporate Certified Ophthalmic Assistant | Ophthalmic knowledge for employees of companies that supply products and services to eye care | 0 |
Verifying a certification
Employers can confirm a technician's certification status with IJCAHPO using the person's IJCAHPO ID. Ophthalmic Tech Jobs does not verify individual credentials.