Requirements:

45 credits every three years

Newly certified orthoptists only need 30 credit hours their first renewal cycle (2 years)

• Newly certified orthoptists only need 30 credit hours their first renewal cycle (2 years)
• A minimum of 30 credits must be earned in Core topics
• A minimum of 10 credits must be from attendance at meetings in Core topics
• Live webinars and recorded live webinars in Core topics from approved orthoptic and ophthalmology organizations will count towards “in person” credits. Approved organizations listed below*
• CE is not awarded for basic topics of instruction, CPR courses, coding, billing, or administrative management

Courses designed for technicians and technologists typically do not offer the depth of knowledge required for orthoptic practice, however, noncore credits will be given for intermediate and advanced level IJCAHPO courses.

*AACO, AAPOS, IOC, COC, TCOS, CLADE, PAAO, ISA, ESA, WSPOS, IPOSC

Core Topics:

Core topics must be taught by orthoptists, physicians or PhDs to qualify for Core credits. IJCAHPO courses do not qualify for Core credits.

• Ocular anatomy and neuroanatomy (including principles of visual fields)
• Sensory and motor physiology and pathology
• Supranuclear control systems for eye movements
• Pharmacology
• Ophthalmic optics – including refractometry and diagnostic/therapeutic use of prisms
• Assessment of visual acuity, visual function and fixation
• Detection and treatment of amblyopia
• Eye movement disorders: evaluation and measurement
• Congenital and systemic diseases associated with ocular motor of visual disorders
• Nystagmus
• Diagnostic evaluation, testing, measurement, and treatment of Congenital/acquired, paretic/non-paretic strabismus, Special forms of strabismus (Brown Syndrome, Duane Syndrome, Moebius Syndrome, Congenital Fibrosis, Floor fractures & Strabismus associated with systemic disease)
• Orthoptic management/treatment
• Genetic syndromes with eye findings
• Non-surgical treatment of sensory and motor anomalies
• Principles of strabismus surgery
• Principles of electrophysiology: VER, VEP, ERG, EOG, OCT
• Understanding and applying clinical research to patient care in ophthalmology
• Clinical research methods directed to orthoptists, orthoptic students, residents and fellows in ophthalmology

* American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS) Meetings: Due to the nature of the subspecialty of AAPOS members, the largest component of AAPOS' education program focuses on strabismus, amblyopia, vision development and binocular function. The content can emphasize other practice areas that may only count as NON-CORE credits. Courses on pediatric eye disease, including congenital disorders of the eye, ptosis, and tumors of the eye and orbit qualify for CORE credits when taught by a physician, Ph.D., or orthoptist. Courses on adult ophthalmologic conditions without associated strabismus or diplopia will receive non-core credit.

Non Core Topics:

The Council recognizes the benefit of education in all aspects of ophthalmology. Topics outside of the CORE areas which are most strongly recommended are related to the following topics and must be approved courses, either ophthalmology or orthoptist sponsored.

Certain topics taught by ODs, ophthalmic photographers, RNs and COMTs will qualify for non-core credits.
IJCAHPO intermediate and advanced courses will qualify for non-core credits.

Non-core topic examples include:

• Low vision; assessment and aids
• Contact lenses
• Tonometry
• Ophthalmic photography
• Ophthalmic Operating room techniques
• Visual Field Testing
• Child Development