Commission on Opticianry Accreditation COA

Overview

The Commission on Opticianry Accreditation (COA) is a non-profit organization responsible for accrediting opticianry education programs in the United States. Established in 1977, COA aims to promote the quality of opticianry education and training programs, ensuring that graduates are competent and well-prepared to provide safe and effective vision care services. COA accredits two-year opticianry degree programs and one-year ophthalmic laboratory technology certificate programs offered by post-secondary institutions accredited by agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). According to uniRank, COA is recognized as a specialized accrediting agency in the field of opticianry education.

History and Legal Framework

COA was established in 1977 to address the need for standardized accreditation in opticianry education. It operates as a not-for-profit organization and is officially incorporated under the District of Columbia Charitable Corporation Law. COA is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and CHEA as the sole accrediting body for opticianry education programs. Its accreditation activities are guided by the "Essentials of an Accredited Educational Program for Opticianry" and the "Accreditation Operating Procedures," which are periodically reviewed and updated to reflect changes in the field and educational practices. COA's bylaws, adopted in 1979 and amended several times thereafter, outline its governance structure and operational procedures.

Mission, Vision and Objectives

Mission: COA's mission is to foster excellence and innovation in opticianry education by setting standards, assessing educational effectiveness and identifying academic programs that meet and exceed these standards, thereby aiding programs in producing competent graduates who will provide professional services to the public.

Vision: To be a globally recognized leader in accrediting opticianry education programs, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to meet the evolving needs of the vision care profession.

Objectives:

• Develop and implement accreditation standards that reflect the competencies required for effective opticianry practice.
• Conduct comprehensive evaluations of opticianry programs to assess their adherence to established standards.
• Provide guidance and support to programs seeking accreditation or reaccreditation to promote continuous improvement.
• Maintain a directory of accredited programs to inform prospective students and the public about quality opticianry education options.

Governance, Structure and Independence

COA operates as an autonomous organization, officially incorporated to serve as an independent agency for the sole purpose of accrediting opticianry and ophthalmic laboratory technology programs in the United States and its territories. It is governed by a board of commissioners who are responsible for overseeing the accreditation process and ensuring that it aligns with COA's mission and objectives. The board comprises individuals with diverse backgrounds in opticianry education, practice and public representation. This governance structure ensures that COA's accreditation decisions are made independently and are free from external influence, maintaining the integrity of the accreditation process.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role in Higher Education

COA employs a peer-review accreditation process to evaluate the quality of opticianry education programs. The process includes a comprehensive self-study conducted by the program, followed by an on-site evaluation by a team of trained evaluators. Programs seeking accreditation must demonstrate compliance with COA's standards, which encompass various aspects such as curriculum, faculty qualifications, student outcomes and institutional resources. Upon successful evaluation, programs are granted accreditation for a specified term, during which they are expected to maintain and enhance their quality. COA's accreditation serves as a mark of excellence, assuring the public and prospective students that the program meets high standards of educational quality.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

While COA primarily accredits programs within the United States and Canada, it recognizes the importance of international collaboration in the field of opticianry education. COA maintains affiliations with various international organizations to stay informed about global trends and best practices in opticianry education. These collaborations enable COA to align its accreditation standards with international developments, ensuring that accredited programs remain relevant and responsive to the evolving needs of the global vision care community.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

COA's accreditation activities have a significant impact on higher education by ensuring that opticianry programs meet high standards of quality. This, in turn, enhances the employability of graduates and supports the development of a skilled workforce capable of addressing the complexities of modern vision care. Looking forward, COA continues to adapt its accreditation processes to reflect advancements in technology, changes in healthcare delivery and evolving educational practices. By doing so, COA ensures that accredited programs remain responsive to the needs of the profession and society, contributing to the continuous improvement of opticianry education.

Summary

The Commission on Opticianry Accreditation plays a crucial role in maintaining the quality and relevance of opticianry education in the United States. Through its rigorous accreditation processes, COA ensures that educational programs prepare graduates who are equipped to meet the challenges of the opticianry profession. Its commitment to quality assurance, continuous improvement and global collaboration underscores its dedication to fostering a robust and globally competitive opticianry education system.

FAQs

• What is COA? COA is the national specialized accrediting body for opticianry education programs in the United States and Canada.
• What programs does COA accredit? COA accredits two-year opticianry degree programs and one-year ophthalmic laboratory technology certificate programs offered by post-secondary institutions accredited by agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or CHEA.
• Who governs COA? COA is governed by a board of commissioners responsible for overseeing the accreditation process and ensuring alignment with COA's mission and objectives.
• Is COA recognized by any accrediting bodies? Yes, COA is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and CHEA as the sole accrediting body for opticianry education programs.
• How can I find accredited opticianry programs? A list of accredited programs is available on COA's website, where you can search for programs by type, location and other criteria.

Organization Name

Commission on Opticianry Accreditation

Acronym

COA

Year of Establishment

1/01/1977

Control Type

Private

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

PO Box 142
Florence
47020 Indiana United States

Phone

+1 (703) 468 566

Fax

+1 (888) 306 9036

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

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X (Twitter)

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LinkedIn

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YouTube

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Instagram

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Wikipedia Article

Not available

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