Our Mission

Enhance the quality and availability of ophthalmic patient care by promoting the value of qualified allied health personnel and by providing certification and education.

In pursuit of this mission, JCAHPO will bring results in four (4) areas:

1. Developing standards of conduct, examination, certification, and recertification of ophthalmic medical personnel;
2. Developing continuing education and related services for allied health personnel in ophthalmology;
3. Providing a forum for ophthalmic-related organizations to collaborate; and
4. Supporting the accreditation process for medical programs involved in the training and education of ophthalmic allied health personnel.

Established in 1969, the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO®) is an international nonprofit organization that certifies and provides education opportunities to ophthalmic allied health professionals. JCAHPO's certification levels of COA, COT, and COMT are accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

JCAHPO's organization is a commission of 16 ophthalmological and ophthalmic allied health societies/associations in the United Stated and Canada. Each organization member selects two individuals who agree to represent their society or association to JCAHPO. (The Association of Technical Personnel in Ophthalmology selects three individuals.) The organizational representatives to JCAHPO are known as Commissioners and serve as volunteers on the Board of Directors and various committees.

The officers of the Commission are known as the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee and one representative from each organizational member of JCAHPO comprise the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors manages the affairs of the Commission. The JCAHPO Commission promotes certification and continuing education of ophthalmic allied health professionals to ensure that medical eye care achieves the best service possible for the public.