The Association of Regulatory Boards of Optometry (ARBO) will now be joined by three representatives a piece from the American Academy of Optometry (AAO) and the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) for a 12-member newly created Council on Optometric Practitioner Education (COPE) governing committee to, “assure collaboration and the ongoing advancement of the quality of optometric continuing education,” reports an AAO-issued press release.

“I would say that any young person, either in optometry school or considering optometry as a profession should know that we’re coming together to ensure that the education given and tested gives them the best chance to be great practitioners through their entire career,” says ARBO president Richard C. Orgain, O.D.

The COPE governing committee’s duties:

• Setting policies, procedures and standards for the COPE accreditation program.
• Determining accreditation based on COPE accreditation criteria and policy compliance. OM