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Eye Care Fundamentals

Ophthalmologists are doctors who specialize in a branch of medicine that deals with the structure, function and diseases of the eye.
  • Area of Study: Fast Track Training, Health Sciences
  • Campus: Completely Online
  • Program Type: Certificate

At a Glance

Employment Opportunities

Ophthalmic Medical Personnel are included in the job classification 29-2057.00 Ophthalmic Medical Technicians as defined by the U.S. Department of Labor. They assist ophthalmologists in performing ophthalmic clinical functions. They may also administer eye exams and medications as well as instruct the patient in care and use of corrective lenses.

Graduates of the program may be employed in ophthalmic offices, hospitals, surgery centers, and optometric offices.

Visit IJCAHPO.org for more information about Ophthalmic Medical Technician careers.

To learn more about employment outlook and work environment in the Ophthalmic Medical Personnel field, visit CCC&TI’s Career Coach site for the following program:

A summary report for Ophthalmic Medical Technicians including tasks, tools & technology, knowledge, skills, abilities, detailed work activities, work context, job zone, education, interests, work styles, work values and wages and employment trends can be found at the following sites:

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Ophthalmic Medical Personnel provide support services to the Ophthalmologist.  The Ophthalmic Medical Personnel is an important member of the eye care team, supplying vital information to the physician who is treating the patient.

The duties delegated to the Ophthalmic Medical Personnel (Eye Care) may include:

  • taking a general medical and ophthalmic history 
  • taking basic anatomical and functional measurements
  • testing ocular functions (e.g. visual acuity and basic color vision tests)
  • verifying eye glass prescriptions
  • administering topical ophthalmic medications under physician direction
  • instructing the patient in personal eye care
  • caring for and maintaining ophthalmic instruments and equipment
  • caring for, maintaining, and sterilizing surgical instruments  

CCC&TI’s Eye Care Fundamentals is an online non-clinical assistant training program.

CCC&TI offers the following educational programs in this area:

Certificate

Registration Requirements

Information Session

Courses Currently on the Schedule

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Accreditation

The Eye Care Fundamentals program is pending accredidation by the International Council of Accreditation (ICA). International Council of Accreditation Commission, 2025 Woodlane Drive, St. Paul, MN 55125-2995 Telephone: 651.731.2944 www.icaccreditation.org

ICA is sponsored by the following collaborating organizations:

  •  International Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (IJCAHPO) www.jcahpo.org
  • Association of Technical Personnel in Ophthalmology (ATPO) www.atpo.org
  • Consortium of Ophthalmic Training Programs (COTP) www.cotpedu.org/
  • Canadian Society of Ophthalmic Medical Personnel CSOMP/SCPMO www.cos-sco.ca/csomp/

Upon earning their certificate, graduates may become nationally certified by passing the Certified Ophthalmic Assistant exam (COA) administered by IJCAHPO.

The Eye Care Fundamentals program at CCC&TI is a member of the Consortium of Ophthalmic Training Programs (COTP), a non-profit corporation of ophthalmic educational programs in the U. S. and Canada.

The Eye Care Fundamentals program is accredited by the International Council of Accreditation (ICA) as a clinical assistant level program.

Outcome Stats

There are no additional costs for this program outside of tuition, fees, books, and supplies.

Pre-Apprenticeships and Apprenticeships

FAQs about the Eye Care Fundamentals Program at CCC&TI

What is an Ophthalmic Medical Personnel?

Ophthalmic Medical Personnel work with medically trained eye doctors (ophthalmologists) and their patients. Job duties may include:

  • Taking patient histories
  • Administering tests and evaluations
  • Taking eye measurements to assist the doctor in diagnosis
  • Administering topical and oral medications under the direction of the physician
  • Performing a variety of clinical skills

OMPs supply important information to the physician who is treating the patient and assist in such as areas as surgery and patient education/compliance. They are not independent practitioners and do not diagnose or treat ocular disorders, nor do they prescribe medications.

What is involved in the Eye Care Fundamentals program?

14 week Online Certificate

How much time is involved in the program?

12-14 hours a week.

What are the employment opportunities and salary prospects?

The United States Department of Labor recognizes Ophthalmic Medical Personnel under the employment classification:

29-2057 Ophthalmic Medical Technicians

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics the national median hourly wage is $16.94 per hour with an median annual wage of $36, 230. North Carolina has the fifth highest number of Ophthalmic Medical Technicians employed in the country with a hourly mean wage of $16.40.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

How do I find out more about the program?

Contact:

Faith Race, COT, Program Director at 726-2200 Ext. 2248 or frace@cccti.edu

Useful Links

Mission:

The Eye Care Fundamentals program’s mission is to provide students with effective instruction to prepare them for employment in ophthalmic and optometric practices.