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Q: When does the current Continuing Education cycle end?
A:  For most Opticians, the current cycle ended December 31, 2007 but if you graduated recently, visit the College of Opticians website at http://www.coptont.org/members/creditcycles.html to see when your cycle ends.  
For Optometrists, the current cycle ends December 31, 2008.
For Optometric Assistants, your cycle end date is three years from your certification renewal date.
For Ophthalmic Assistants, your cycle end date is also three years from your certification renewal date.
Q: What type of credits do I need and how many of each do I need?
A:  Opticians are required to obtain a minimum of 30 credit hours of continuing education during each three year cycle broken up into each of the following categories:

(EG) Eyeglasses: 8 credits minimum (no maximum)
(CL) Contact Lenses: 8 credits minimum (no maximum)
(GB) General Business: 5 credits maximum (no minimum)
(PE) Professional Experience: 5 credits maximum (no minimum)
(PA) Professional Activity: 5 credits maximum (no mimimum)

Please visit the College of Opticians website at http://www.coptont.org/members/creditcycles.html for further information.

Optometrists are required to obtain a minimum of 60 credit hours of continuing education during each three-year cycle.  A minimum of 40 credit hours must be obtained from specific providers - The Academy of Ophthalmic receives accreditation from COPE (Council on Optometric Practitioner Education).  The remaining 20 credit hours may be obtained from ANY provider. Visit http://www.collegeoptom.on.ca/ for further information.

Optometric Assistants are required to obtain a minimum of 18 credit hours of continuing education during each three-year cycle.  Visit http://www.opto.ca/assistants/ for further information.

Ophthalmic Assistants: please visit http://www.jcahpo.org/certification/recertified.cfm for further information.
Q: How many credits do I get for supervising a student or for dispensing?
A: Supervision of students:
     •  1PA credit for every 250 eyeglass fits
     •  1PA credit for every 20 contact lens fits

     Dispensing:
     •  2PE for 1200 hours in a 3-year cycle
     •  3PE for 1800 hours in a 3-year cycle
     •  4PE for 2400 hours in a 4-year cycle
     •  5PE for 3000 hours in a 5-year cycle
     •  Maximum 5 PE in a 3-year cycle
Q: I registered and paid for a seminar but I was unable to attend; can I get a refund?
A: Our policy has always been "no cancellations or refunds" but in extenuating circumstances, we can offer you a 50% credit in the form of a credit note, that can be used towards registering for one of our future seminars.
Q: Who is responsible for submitting my accreditation records?
A:  Although we have an extensive filing system and retain copies of all attendance certificates for our own records, the attendee is responsible for maintaining their own records and submitting accreditation forms to their appropriate college when required to do so.
Q: I have misplaced my attendance certificates from a past seminar; what should I do?
A:  If you have misplaced your attendance certificates, just give us a call at 905.731.6022 or email us a request at info@aoece.com and we will be more than happy to send you copies of the attendance certificates that you have misplaced.
A $15.00 administration fee will apply.