What is it?
CCOAs are not designated care personnel, but rather individuals who have an understanding of the eye care profession and use that knowledge to provide the best products and services available.
The Corporate Certified Ophthalmic Assistant certification is one of JCAHPO’s specialty certification levels. CCOA certification is available to ophthalmic sales professionals who are looking to build credibility of eye care sales, marketing, and management.
What does it mean for me?
CCOA certification gives corporate representatives the ophthalmic background and technical knowledge they need for marketing credibility. JCAHPO’s reputation as the world leader in continuing education and training in ophthalmology makes the CCOA an instant credibility builder for sales professionals. CCOA certification demonstrates integrity, authority, and above all, establishes business relationships built on trust.
Examples of tasks that the certificant would handle
CCOAs maintain their principal occupation as an industry sales representative, but utilize the skills, knowledge, and training they received with CCOA certification to improve productivity. CCOAs are able to speak the language of the eye care field, and well-educated in the technical aspects of an ophthalmic practice. Above all, CCOAs connect with administrators, physicians, and ophthalmic personnel through strengthened professional sales relations.
What makes it different from COA, COMT, ROUB, and other JCAHPO Certifications?
Corporate Certified Ophthalmic Assistant is a specialty certification level separate from JCAHPO core certifications (COA, COT, and COMT). Certificants work in the corporate segment of the eye care field, while COAs and COTs participate in broader tasks and duties as ophthalmic medical personnel working under the direct supervision of an ophthalmologist with patients. CCOAs are not designated care personnel, but rather individuals who have an understanding of the eye care profession and use that knowledge to provide the best products and services available.
How do I become a Corporate Certified Ophthalmic Assistant certificant?
An individual can become eligible to take the CCOA examination by meeting the following requirements:
- Graduated from high school or the equivalent.
- Successfully completed a CoA-OMP approved independent study course (e.g., JCAHPO Independent Study Course, American Academy of Ophthalmology Independent Study Course or the Canadian Ophthalmological Society Home Study Program) within the 36 months prior to submitting your exam application.
- Completed 12 JCAHPO Group A continuing education credits within 12 months prior to submitting your application.
- Employed by a company supplier of ophthalmology products and/or services.
Click here for more detailed requirements on CCOA certification eligibility.