Eye Consultants of Northern Virginia, PC, Celebrates Allied Ophthalmic Personnel Week November 7-11

SPRINGFIELD, Va., Nov. 07, 2016 -- Allied Ophthalmic Personnel are specialty trained technicians in the field of Ophthalmology. They assist the physician in the clinic to help improve the delivery and quality of eye care and are crucial members of the eye care team. The role of Allied Ophthalmic Personnel is constantly evolving: technicians are now involved in almost every aspect of helping run an ophthalmic practice. "Allied Ophthalmic Personnel" encompasses all three levels of JCAHPO Certification: COA, COT, COMT.

Each level of certification has prerequisite eligibility requirements and examination processes. Allied Ophthalmic Personnel (AOP) may progress from one level of certification to the next, through work experience and examination. Formal training can also serve as an entry point to certification at any of the core levels.

Allied Ophthalmic Personnel Week is a combined effort of the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO^®), the Association of Technical Personnel in Ophthalmology, Inc. (ATPO®), and the Contact Lens Society of America (CLSA®) to recognize Allied Ophthalmic Personnel and their contribution to eye care, and to make the public more aware of ophthalmic careers.

"We look for people who are interested in health and medicine, who like working as part of a team, and who love helping people," Haresh Ailani, MD, said. "Most entry-level allied ophthalmic personnel jobs only require a high school diploma and a willingness to learn on the job. Recruiting new people into the eye care field is important because a shortage of ophthalmic medical technicians is a growing problem." A variety of continuing education and certification opportunities are also available to those who want to advance in the profession. Job opportunities are virtually unlimited for those who hold advanced certification credentials.

Almost every day, patients will ask their technicians about their job. It's quite common for patients or family members to become interested in eye care after experiencing eye problems and receiving or observing the process of diagnosis and treatment. Their technicians and physicians work together as an integral team to provide caring and quality eye care that is a core value to ECNV.

Eye Consultants of Northern Virginia wants to thank all their Ophthalmic Technicians and Assistants for providing quality work, care of their patients, and dedication to their practice! ECNV gives kudos to their fantastic team!

For more information on formalized training as an Allied Ophthalmic Personnel, please visit https://ophthalmology.georgetown.edu/omp.   

Eye Consultants of Northern Virginia, PC 
(703) 451-6111