The International Iridology Practitioners Association is the best accrediting body for Iridology in the world. IIPA is an organization for the Iridologist. Through IIPA, a person can learn relevant, up-to-date Iridology based on clinical research from around the globe. IIPA was founded for the purpose of increasing and diffusing knowledge concerning the art and science of Iridology and to provide a forum for the exchange of information and research with the goal of promoting excellence in international Iridology standards. IIPA’s vision is to have Iridology integrated into the healthcare system worldwide.
The International Iridology Practitioners Association is a registered, non-profit organization, founded in 1982. It is governed by IIPA members who volunteer and make up the voting Board of Directors. Their role is to disseminate materials and help set the professional standards present today in the field of Iridology. For decades, medical practitioners considered different facets of natural medicine, including Iridology, to be inappropriate approaches to natural health and healing. We at IIPA have the valiant efforts of Dr. Bernard Jensen, as well as other iconic pioneers, to thank for saving Iridology from extinction. This organization was originally called the National Iridology Research Association (NIRA), but the name was changed in 2000 to better reflect our international reach. In 1993, the organization attained its non-profit tax-exempt status.
IIPA is an organization that has developed official standards of practice designed specifically for the field of Iridology. IIPA Certification Courses incorporate the highest standards in Iridology based on research and clinical studies from around the world. As a Certified Iridologist, you are held to a high ethical moral as it relates to this healing art. Each modality should have a uniformed governing body, and Iridology does. Because we are an international organization, we have the ability to streamline important pieces such as dialogue and vocabulary, and keep them uniform regardless of language differences. Certification from IIPA identifies you as having attained a standardized level of education excellence. This status inevitably sets you apart, as clients would feel confident selecting you, knowing you have undergone some intense training and a high quality education.
An Understanding of Comprehensive Iridology Standards and Concepts – It is highly recommended that a Candidate/Student for certification completes the Comprehensive® Iridology Classes (Level I and Level II) through an IIPA Certified Instructor or through an IIPA accredited teaching Institution, however it is not required for certification. What is required is that candidates have a thorough understanding of the standards presented in these classes.
Comprehensive® Iridology Class – LEVEL I – This class covers the history and development of Iridology and discussion of models (European Iridology, American Iridology, Comprehensive Iridology, psychological patterns, iris photography, etc.) This also includes eye anatomy and physiology, topography and mapping of the iris, constitutional types and subtypes, iris structure and signs, pigmentation, pupil tonus, etc. It would be helpful to have some anatomy and physiology background before taking this course. Refer to our website for recommended readings and approved programs. Minimum of 14 hours with an IIPA Certified Instructor.
Comprehensive® Iridology Class – LEVEL II – This class places emphasis on case studies, combinations of signs, structure and pigment details, exceptions to rules, specific constitutions and syndromes, further psychological pattern information and research issues, etc. Minimum of 21 hours with an IIPA Certified Instructor.
Proof of Anatomy and Physiology Knowledge – An Anatomy and Physiology (A&P) course is required for certification. Certification Examination can take place before the A&P course is completed. The certification candidate/student must submit a transcript of a completed course, a copy of a diploma or of an acceptable accredited degree, or a copy of an appropriate professional license before receiving the IIPA Certification Certificate. See acceptable courses on website.
The Submission of Ten Iris Evaluations – You will be provided with Iris Evaluation forms to use to evaluate ten (10) different people and analyze their iris patterns. Your completed evaluations will be submitted to an Instructor for review. Your results will be returned with corrections and comments. Note, that candidates/students who received their Iridology training through an IIPA accredited teaching Institution are not required to perform the ten iris evaluations. Also, if you are taking a class through an IIPA Certified Comprehensive Iridology Instructor, you may, at the discretion of the Instructor, complete these evaluations during class.
Case Study Analysis – For your Case Study you will receive instructions, a history and eye photos to analyze. Your completed analysis should be returned to your Instructor. Results will be returned to you with corrections and comments. Note that candidates who received their Iridology training through an IIPA accredited teaching Institution are not required to perform a Case Study Analysis.
Written Examination – This written Examination must be proctored by a designated IIPA Instructor, librarian, or notary. Obtain Proctor Information form from your Instructor. You are responsible for locating a Proctor. If your test grade is satisfactory, 80% or more, and all other requirements are completed (i.e. Anatomy & Physiology, 10 Iris Evaluations, Case Study, current membership), you will be sent an IIPA Certified Iridologist Certificate. If for some reason you do not pass the Examination, contact your Instructor for retake information.
The iris is the colored part of the eye that surrounds the pupil and controls how much light falls on the retina. Practitioners with iridology training also see the iris as a diagnostic tool that can be used to pinpoint areas of health or weakness within the body’s systems. Specific areas of the iris have been mapped to correspond to particular organs, and markings such as rings, spots and discolorations, according to iridologists, may indicate ailments or predispositions to illness.
Scientific research has not conclusively proven whether iridology is an accurate method of diagnosis, and some professionals oppose its use. However, trained iridologists favor the practice as an indicator for potential health problems, especially when used in conjunction with other alternative or traditional medical practices.
Some practitioners with iridology training favor a direct visual approach: inspection of the iris in person during an office visit, using light and magnification, or analysis of slides of the iris. Others use methods of computer analysis such as 3-D maze spectroscopy and dynamic overlays of the iris at different stages of health or illness. Iridology certification may be useful to traditional health care practitioners such as optometrists and ophthalmologists, as well as holistic and naturopathic health professionals.
Iridology training generally includes study of anatomy and physiology, health and nutrition, pathology, diagnostic methods, and herbal medicine. You’ll also take specific iridology classes that teach about the history of iridology, the iridology chart, eye anatomy, types of irises, how to analyze the iris, and how to formulate treatment plans.
Basic iridology training may be completed through traditionally structured programs or via intensive workshops; usually these result in practitioner-level certification and take about 15 to 25 credit hours over the course of 1 to 2 years. Doctoral degrees in iridology take about 68 credit hours to finish, over and above the time spent on basic training.
Tuition for iridology certification courses may cost anywhere from $1,250 to $4,500, depending on the level of iridology training you are pursuing. A doctoral degree may cost another $2,500 or more.
Because of the disagreement in the scientific community about the effectiveness of iridology, practitioners who want to demonstrate that they have made a commitment to professional, ethical and knowledgeable practice would benefit from seeking iridology certification. The International Iridology Practitioners Association (IIPA), an iridologists’ trade association, approves iridology certification programs that meet their professional standards. In addition, some practitioners choose to apply for certification from other groups such as the American Naturopathic Medical Certification Board.
Iridology is hailed by its proponents as an important diagnostic tool in the area of preventive medicine. With preventive medicine and public health promotion taking a front seat in the ongoing changes to health care in the United States, practitioners with iridology training may see an upswing in interest from patients seeking out less invasive diagnostic methods and more holistic approaches to their health.
Once you’ve completed your iridology training, your annual salary may vary depending on your specific job title—naturopathic doctor, holistic nurse, and so on. However, most iridologists earn about $75 for an in-office iris analysis and consultation. Analysis of slides or digital images may cost more—usually between $75 and $125.
Iridology traces its lineage all the way back to the late 1800s, but its potential in modern medicine has yet to be fully explored. If you’re interested in this dynamic and growing field of preventive medicine, and would like to incorporate complementary, non-invasive diagnostic techniques into your health care practice, iridology training can be a useful tool to add to your repertoire.
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