Ophthalmic Technician
This program will provide graduates with the knowledge and experience to perform as an ophthalmic technician in a clinical setting. Ophthalmic Technician is a rapidly expanding field with a growing demand for qualified and responsible technicians. The functions of the ophthalmic technician are to assist the ophthalmologist by performing delegable tasks. These tasks may include: collecting data, administering treatment, assisting in ophthalmic surgical procedures, and supervising patients as deemed appropriate according to training level.
Accreditation
The Elgin Community College Ophthalmic Technician Program is seeking accreditation by the International Council of Accreditation (ICA) for Allied Ophthalmic Education Programs:
2025 Woodlane Drive
St. Paul, MN 55125-2998
Phone: 651-731-7243
Fax: 651-731-0410
https://www.icaccreditation.org/
Entrance Requirements
- Reading: Grade of C or better in RDG 091 or LTC 099, or satisfaction of other placement criteria.
- Writing: Grade of C or better in ENG 098 or LTC 099 or satisfaction of other placement criteria.
- Math: Grade of C or better in MTH 095 or satisfaction of other placement criteria.
Program Requirements
Students must complete all required courses with grades of C or better to be eligible to graduate and sit for the COT exam offered by the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology. Students must provide their own uniforms and transportation to and from all clinical sites.
Policies and Procedures
All students applying to the Ophthalmic Technician Program are strongly encouraged to attend an information session prior to submitting an application.
Students applying to health professions programs must provide a valid Social Security number for a background check. Any student demonstrating a positive background check will be denied admission to any health professions program. A valid Social Security number is also needed to apply for licensing/certification exams.
Prior to the first day of class, students must have the following documentation on file with the CastleBranch requirement tracking system: negative drug test results, negative background check, completed medical form, proof of immunizations/titer results, proof of health insurance coverage, and proof of American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) for healthcare providers CPR certification. Health Professions students must also have proof of COVID-19 vaccination status.
Health professions students will be required to update their drug test, TB test/TB survey, and flu vaccine information on an annual basis. Any student demonstrating a positive drug test will be dismissed from the Health Professions Division.
The standards, policies, and procedures of the Ophthalmic Technician are published in the Ophthalmic Technician Student Handbook. Copies of the current Ophthalmic Technician Student Handbook may be obtained online.
- Identify clinic/personnel functions in the ophthalmic office setting
- Identify eye anatomy and function of anatomical structures
- Complete an accurate history with ocular, medical, social, and family history
- Perform pupillary assessment
- Demonstrate clinical competency in a variety of patient care scenarios
- Accurately identify common ocular diseases and conditions
- Understand and practice office antisepsis and universal precautions
- Accurately identify and instill ocular medications
- Demonstrate the ability to care for ophthalmic lenses, instruments, and equipment
- Demonstrate the ability to competently perform an examination using the slit lamp
- Demonstrate the ability to perform both automated and manual lensometry to determine the strength of distance correction and the bifocal or trifocal add
- Demonstrate the ability to perform an automated visual field test
- Demonstrate the ability to detect a phoria or tropia, and identify the direction of the deviation using appropriate cover tests
- Demonstrate the ability to perform refractometry/refinement
- Demonstrate the ability to perform applanation tonometry
- Demonstrate the ability to perform retinoscopy
- Successfully complete the JCAHPO written and practical COT examination
Ophthalmic Technician-Associate of Applied Science
| First Semester | Credit Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| OPH 101 | Intro to Ophthalmic Technician | 2 |
| OPH 110 | Principles of Ophthalmic Tech I | 4 |
| BIO 110 | Principles of Biology | 4 |
| ENG 101 | English Composition I | 3 |
| Total | 13 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| OPH 120 | Principles of Ophthalmic Tech II | 5 |
| OPH 125 | Ophthalmic Technician Clinical I | 3.5 |
| BIO 245 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 |
| ENG 102 | English Composition II | 3 |
| Total | 15.5 | |
| Third Semester | ||
| OPH 230 | Principles of Ophthalmic Tech III | 5 |
| OPH 235 | Ophthalmic Technician Clinical II | 6.5 |
| BIO 246 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 |
| Social/Behavioral Science Requirement | 3 | |
| Total | 18.5 | |
| Fourth Semester | ||
| OPH 240 | Principles of Ophthalmic Tech IV | 3 |
| OPH 245 | Ophthalmic Technician Clinical III | 9.5 |
| Required Humanities/Fine Arts Course | 3 | |
| Total | 15.5 | |
| Program Total | 62.5 | |
Ophthalmic Technician Courses
All OPH courses numbered 100 and above may be applied to the major field and elective requirement for the Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees.
OPH 101 Intro to Ophthalmic Technician (2)(2,0)
An introduction to the profession and role of the ophthalmic technician in the ophthalmology practice. This includes clinic personnel and functions, communication skills, patient services, community eye health needs, and ophthalmic equipment identification and maintenance (1.2) Proficiency Credit: Not Available Pass/No Credit: Not Available
SPECIAL SPECIAL NOTE: Students enrolled in this program are required to have the following: 1) criminal background check, 2) drug test, 3) physical exam, 4) lab tests to prove immunity to common illnesses, 5) TB test, 6) health insurance, 7) uniform, 8) social security card and 9) Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider CPR certification. .
In-District Tuition/Fees: $270 (effective 2024/25 academic year)
In-district tuition rates are subject to change based on Board approval.
Prerequisite: Admission into the Ophthalmic Technician program
Semester(s) Offered: Fall
OPH 110 Principles of Ophthalmic Tech I (4)(3,2)
This course is designed to introduce foundational knowledge, basic testing, and skills in the ophthalmic practice. Students will be introduced to eye anatomy, history taking, and visual assessment. Basic ophthalmic microbiology and pharmacology will be covered. (1.2) Proficiency Credit: Not Available Pass/No Credit: Not Available
SPECIAL SPECIAL NOTE: Students enrolled in this program are required to have the following: 1) criminal background check, 2) drug test, 3) physical exam, 4) lab tests to prove immunity to common illnesses, 5) TB test, 6) health insurance, 7) uniform, 8) social security card and 9) Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider CPR certification. .
In-District Tuition/Fees: $640 (effective 2024/25 academic year)
In-district tuition rates are subject to change based on Board approval.
Prerequisite: Admission into Ophthalmic Tech program
Semester(s) Offered: Fall
OPH 120 Principles of Ophthalmic Tech II (5)(3.5,3)
This course introduces clinical optics, including the related topics of lensometry, keratometry, and contact lenses. Skills in visual field testing and tonometry are also explored. The ophthalmic technician's role in surgical assisting is covered. (1.2) Proficiency Credit: Not Available Pass/No Credit: Not Available.
In-District Tuition/Fees: $825 (effective 2024/25 academic year)
In-district tuition rates are subject to change based on Board approval.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in OPH 110; and BIO 245 or concurrent enrollment in BIO 245
Semester(s) Offered: Spring
OPH 125 Ophthalmic Technician Clinical I (3.5)(.5,9)
The student will begin clinical experiences under the supervision of a licensed ophthalmologist, in which the students sees patients and works towards competency and attainment of basic ophthalmic skills. (1.2) Proficiency Credit: Not Available Pass/No Credit: Not Available.
In-District Tuition/Fees: $472.5 (effective 2024/25 academic year)
In-district tuition rates are subject to change based on Board approval.
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in OPH 120
Semester(s) Offered: Spring
OPH 230 Principles of Ophthalmic Tech III (5)(4,2)
Students will advance their knowledge of optics in this course with topics in refraction and refinement. Advanced ophthalmic technician skills such as ophthalmic imaging and ocular motility assessment are covered (1.2) Proficiency Credit: Not Available Pass/No Credit: Not Available.
In-District Tuition/Fees: $775 (effective 2024/25 academic year)
In-district tuition rates are subject to change based on Board approval.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in OPH 120
Semester(s) Offered: Fall
OPH 235 Ophthalmic Technician Clinical II (6.5)(0,19.5)
The student will further apply knowledge and practice skills with hands-on opportunities during clinical experiences under the supervision of a licensed ophthalmologist. Students work towards furthering competency and refinement of intermediate ophthalmic skills. (1.2) Proficiency Credit: Not Available Pass/No Credit: Not Available.
In-District Tuition/Fees: $877.5 (effective 2024/25 academic year)
In-district tuition rates are subject to change based on Board approval.
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in OPH 230
Semester(s) Offered: Fall
OPH 240 Principles of Ophthalmic Tech IV (3)(2.5,1)
This course continues to build on advanced optical skills with the addition of retinoscopy. Advanced supplementary testing and low vision are covered. Preparation for the JCAHPO COT certification exam is also included. (1.2) Proficiency Credit: Not Available Pass/No Credit: Not Available.
In-District Tuition/Fees: $455 (effective 2024/25 academic year)
In-district tuition rates are subject to change based on Board approval.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in OPH 230.
Semester(s) Offered: Spring
OPH 245 Ophthalmic Technician Clinical III (9.5)(0,28.5)
The student will further apply knowledge and practice skills with hands-on opportunities during clinical experiences under the supervision of a licensed ophthalmologist. Students work towards furthering competency and refinement of advanced ophthalmic skills. (1.2) Proficiency Credit: Not Available Pass/No Credit: Not Available.
In-District Tuition/Fees: $1282.5 (effective 2024/25 academic year)
In-district tuition rates are subject to change based on Board approval.
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in OPH 240
Semester(s) Offered: Spring