The Certification Process for COA, COT, and COMT
Certification for Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA), Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT), and Certified Ophthalmic Technologist (COMT) is administered by the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology. The following is a brief summary of the requirements for those with work experience (on-the-job training). Those who graduate from a school or training program have different requirements. For complete and up to date information, contact the JCAHPO® at 800-284-3937 and request a certification packet.
COA: You must pass a written certification examination. To be eligible for examination, you must complete a short (approved) independent study course and you must have at least 1000 hours (6 months equivalent) of work experience under the supervision of an ophthalmologist. Eyetec.net has a COA Exam Prep Course.
COT: You must pass a written certification examination and a computerized skills examination. To be eligible for examination, you must work for at least one full year as a COA and you must have 12 group A CE credits within the past 12 months. Eyetec.net has a COT Exam Prep Course.
COMT: You must pass a written certification examination and a computerized skills examination. To be eligible for examination, you must work for at least three full years as a COT and you must have 12 group A CE credits within the past 12 months. Eyetec.net has a COMT Exam Prep Course.