I enrolled in the Ophthalmic Assisting course several years ago and was hired straight out of the class! The classes gave me a solid foundation for terminology, knowledge and practical experience to have confidence starting out in a new field.

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Ophthalmic Assistant

Ophthalmic Assistant (non-credit)

Overview

Job Description

Ophthalmic Assistants take patient medical histories, instruct patients about medications, tests, and procedures, perform various vision and diagnostic tests, assist ophthalmologists with patient procedures, and coordinate patient scheduling. Ophthalmic assistants enjoy virtually unlimited job opportunities nationwide and internationally because of their specialized skills. Positions are usually located in private practices, hospitals, clinics, university research facilities, and in the U.S. military. Ophthalmic assistants have many opportunities for career advancement.

Program Description

This program prepares students to enter the ophthalmic medical personnel field as Ophthalmic Assistants. Ophthalmic Assistants perform duties as assigned by the ophthalmologist for whom they work. All aspects of the Ophthalmic Assistant’s role will be covered in a classroom setting and clinical/hands-on sessions. Upon earning the college certificate, students must complete 1,000 hours of paid work experience under ophthalmologic supervision to be eligible for the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology Certification. For more information on the certification options, visit the website www.jcahpo.org.

Lectures will be held on campus and the clinical/hands-on experience will be held at a local eyecare center. Students must provide their own transportation.

Please be advised that if you have been convicted of a felony, you may not be eligible for clinical experiences, internships, externships or certifications associated with certain Allied Health courses or programs. Those with previous convictions may also find it difficult to secure employment within a healthcare setting.

Requirements

Admission Requirements

Students must be 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or GED to enroll in this course.

Students participating in this program must be able to:

Lift, bend, kneel, and reach to obtain supplies.
Walk and stand for extended periods of time.
Hear verbal directions/requests from members of the health care team and/or patients, telephone messages, and various alarms.
Assess patient’s condition, monitor patient safety and comfort, read small print on syringes, vials, and dial gauges as well as other small instruments.
Communicate with staff, patients and peers.

The Essential Job Skills & Career Development course is REQUIRED to receive a certificate of completion for the Ophthalmic Assistant program.

This program is CT SNAP & CT WIOA approved.

Time Commitment

This 4 month program meets for a total of 84 hours.