Milestones in IJCAHPO’s History

1969-1979

Incorporation and structure developed for Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO®).
Multiple-choice and practical oral examinations developed to assess ophthalmic personnel.
First Annual Continuing Education Program conducted during the AAO Annual Meeting.
Ophthalmic assistant recruitment and marketing campaign established.

Launched its strategic plan for certification, education, and organizational growth.
Peter Y. Evans, MD, named Executive Vice President.
First plenary session held at the Annual Continuing Education Program.
Three levels of certification established.
Certifications nationally accredited.
Certified Allied Ophthalmic Personnel reached 8,000.
Built home office in Minnesota.

Formed new alliances to further its mission.
JCAHPO Education and Research Foundation established.
International Relations Committee created to build relationships reflecting growing global community interests in Allied Ophthalmic Personnel (AOP).
Relationships developed with national and international foundations and societies to promote AOP.
Certification examinations transferred from written to computerized administration.
Alice Gelinas, JCAHPO’s first Administrator, retired after 27 years of service.

Strengthened the learning and competency of Allied Ophthalmic Personnel by significantly increasing certification and education programs.
Governance restructured.
Bureau of Labor SOC classification awarded.
AOP career website designed to promote the profession and recruit personnel.
College credit equivalency of IJCAHPO certifications awarded by the American Council on Education.
New programs offered in Sub-Specialty certifications (Ultrasound Biometry, Diagnostic Sonography, Contact Lens Fitting, and Corporate Ophthalmic Assisting) and education (CE programs, publications, online courses, and simulation learning modules).

Advancement and expansion focused on Integration, Initiating, Involvement, and Innovation of AOP programs for certification, education, accreditation, and career promotion.
New name of “International” Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology proposed with a governance structure change.
Global alliances developed with accreditation and endorsement of international AOP training and certification centers.
World Health Organization’s eye care health workers classification of Allied Ophthalmic Personnel endorsed.
Simulation of COT Skill and COMT Performance certifications developed.
AAO Council membership approved and advocated three Council Advisory Recommendations in support of ophthalmic personnel.
Certified Allied Ophthalmic Personnel reached 30,000 globally.

JCAHPO’s original logo.