In 2009, the National Steering Committee on Optometric Guidelines for Independent Continuing Education developed guidelines for optometric continuing education. The Steering Committee consisted of representatives from the American Academy of Optometry (AAO), the American Optometric Association (AOA), the Association of Regulatory Boards in Optometry (ARBO), the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO), and SECO International, LLC (SECO).

The Optometric Guidelines for Independent Continuing Education (ICE) are meant to serve as a code of conduct rather than a mandatory set of regulations like the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) Standards for Commercial Support, though their intent is the same. The Steering Committee also stated in the guidelines that they are separate from any rules that the Association of Regulatory Boards in Optometry (ARBO) has established regarding COPE-approved continuing education courses and events required by some state boards for maintenance of licensure.

To view the complete ICE Guidelines click here.