ST. LOUIS—Beginning next year, the American Optometric Association’s Commission on Paraoptometric Certification will offer certification examinations via computer at several hundred sites in the U.S., in addition to the current paper administration annually conducted at Optometry’s Meeting.

The examinations will be offered daily during four eight-day testing periods. The first computer-based test administration will begin Saturday, Feb. 7 through Saturday, Feb. 14; other test dates will occur in May, August, and November 2009. The June 2009 test date will be the only paper administration conducted; paper administered examinations will be offered through Dec. 31 of this year.

Once eligibility has been established, candidates will schedule their examination directly with the designated testing center online.

According to the AOA, “These changes bring the CPC closer to its goal to create global recognition and acceptance of the CPO, CPOA, and CPOT certifications as the mark of excellence in optometric assisting.”

CIBA Vision has provided grants to help support the paraoptometric pertification program for nearly eight years.

This year, the AOA’s paraoptometric section has designated Sept. 14 to Sept. 20 as Paraoptometric Recognition Week. Now in its sixth year, “the recognition week is designed to honor paraoptometrics for their dedication to the patients they serve, and to the profession of optometry,” an AOA announcement said.

The AOA Paraoptometric Section suggests a variety of ways to celebrate the week, and provides free Paraoptometric Recognition Week promotional kits to help eyecare practitioners make plans for the observance. Kits may be requested by sending an e-mail to [email protected].