Document Index – Commission on Opticianry Accreditation

The links below marked .pdf files are Adobe Reader(R) files. If you do not have Adobe Reader you can download free software for opening the files by going here: https://www.adobe.com/products/reader/ The Adobe site will open in a new window. Close that window to return here. Some .pdf files are large and will take a moment or two to download.

It takes between 6 and 12 months to make changes to our requirements. We have been instructed to remove all Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) references from the standards that we require the accredited programs to meet. In future decisions, until wording about DEI has been identified and changed, any DEI requirements will be ignored.

Accreditation guide for an Opticianry Degree Program * see note above (.pdf file)

Accreditation guide for a Ophthalmic Laboratory Program * see note above (.pdf file)

Annual Report for 2026 in Word The spring reporting deadline is February 15. The fall reporting deadline is September 15. Programs may find their reporting period (spring or fall) within the Policies and Procedures document below. Programs must submit one complete electronic copy in PDF format. If the report includes a document that is not available online and is too large to scan, scan only the pages that are applicable to the annual report and attach them to the report. The first page with signatures must either be PDF encrypted digital signature or have actual signatures and be scanned to include in the PDF file for e-mail submission.

Annual Statistics are on page 3 of the annual report. Programs on the spring annual report list will now file statistics with their reports in the spring. This requirement must be met even if an annual report is not required because of a recent self-study and on-site.

Guidelines for Commission review of Annual Report during semi-annual meeting: Guidelines for Reviewing Annual Report.doc

Application for Accreditation/Reaccreditation — Degree

Application for Accreditation/Reaccreditation — Laboratory Certificate

Bylaws (.pdf file)

Essentials for an Ophthalmic Laboratory Program (.pdf file)

Essentials for an Opticianry Degree Program (.pdf file)

Expense form (Reimbursement form) (.pdf file)

Fee Schedule (.pdf file)

Policies and Procedures (.pdf file)

Progress Report Form (Word .doc)

Self Study and on-site materials: * see note above

Confidentiality agreement for on-site evaluators (.pdf file)
Conflict of Interest agreement for on-site evaluators(.pdf file)
Evaluator’s Checklist (degree)(.pdf file)
Evaluator’s Workshop (.pdf file)
On-site Advisory Committee questionnaire (.pdf file)
On-site Student questionnaire (.pdf file)
On-site Faculty questionnaire (.pdf file)
Safety and Environmental Checklist (.pdf file), or
Safety and Environmental Checklist (Word doc)
Sample on-site report (On-site team: start with this and fill it in.) (Word file)
Sample self-study (Program Directors: start with this and fill it in.) (Word file)
Sample 2-day agenda for reaffirmation of existing accreditation (start with this and adjust it to fit your needs.) (Word file)
Sample 3-day agenda for initial accreditation (start with this and adjust it to fit your needs.)(Word file)
Self Study Guide (.pdf file)
Workshop for the self-study and on-site process. (.pdf file)