Ophthalmic Assistant Certificate Program

Classes Start May 6th

Program Details

Program Length

On-Campus: 36 weeks

COURSES

You can take this program via blended learning at our Fort Worth campus.

Blended learning is comprised of both online classes and in-person classes allowing you to learn ophthalmology techniques online while receiving the hands-on medical training you need in person.

MODULE IMODULE IIMODULE IIIMODULE IVMODULE VMODULE VI

Introduction to Ophthalmic Assisting

COA100

In this course students will learn the roles of the Ophthalmic Assistant and other associated roles of the ophthalmic care team. Students will discuss the medical ethics, legal issues, and regulatory issues associated with their position. Students will learn appropriate communication skills, patient education and ophthalmic counseling practices. Students will learn the importance of community health eye care and safety. Finally, students will discuss certification and the requirements to move from assistant to technician as their career progresses. Prerequisite: None

Lecture	48	hr.
Laboratory	0	hr.
Externship	0	hr.
Total Hours	48	hr.
Credits	3

Ocular Anatomy, Physiology and Terminology

COA110

This course introduces students to the eye's function, anatomy, and physiology. Students will be introduced to common ocular conditions, diseases, disorders, and terminology including ophthalmic acronyms and abbreviations. In addition, students will discuss the eye as an optical system and identify its components. Finally, students will be introduced to systemic diseases coupled with ocular manifestations and the necessary testing used determine diagnoses. Prerequisite: None

Lecture	48	hr.
Laboratory	0	hr.
Externship	0	hr.
Total Hours	48	hr.
Credits	3

Comprehensive Medical Exam

COA200

This course will introduce students to the fundamentals of a comprehensive medical eye examination and patient work up, including; History taking/scribing, visual assessment, visual fields, pupillary assessment, lensometry, keratometry, tonometry, biometry and supplementary tests. Students will learn how to perform an exam of the eyes and face including checking angles. The students will practice their skills in a comprehensive clinical lab setting. Prerequisite: Module I

Lecture	48	hr.
Laboratory	32	hr.
Externship	0	hr.
Total Hours	80	hr.
Credits	4

Refractive States of the Eye(s)

COA210

In this course students will learn the refractive states of the eye(s) which include emmetropia and the various ametropias such as myopia, hyperopia, regular astigmatism and how each one affects the vision. In addition, they will learn the cause(s) and treatment(s) for each one. Prerequisite: Module I

Lecture	36	hr.
Laboratory	0	hr.
Externship	0	hr.
Total Hours	36	hr.
Credits	2

Clinical Optics and Refraction

COA220

This course introduces students to clinical optics, and refractometry basics. Students will explore contact lenses, auto/manual lensometry, transposition and measuring the patient's prescription. Additionally, students will discuss the various types and uses of spectacles and contact lenses. Finally, students will examine common ophthalmic equipment and learn the basics of refractometry to determine a patient's prescription. Prerequisite: Module I

Lecture	36	hr.
Laboratory	24	hr.
Externship	0	hr.
Total Hours	60	hr.
Credits	3

Patient Interaction, Emergencies and Triage

COA230

This course will discuss the importance of patient-assistant interaction including; Emotional Intelligence, greeting, screening, triage and appointments. The student will also learn about HIPPA, disruptive patients, and patients with various special concerns as well as emergencies. The students will learn the fundamentals of CPR, Vitals and First Aid. Prerequisite: Module I

Lecture	32	hr.
Laboratory	16	hr.
Externship	0	hr.
Total Hours	48	hr.
Credits	2.5

Ocular Pharmacology and Infection Control

COA240

This course will introduce the components of microbiology, infection control and the basics of ophtha pharmacology. They will learn the types of microorganisms, transmission types of infectious diseases, univ precaution and infection control. They will also learn the delivery systems of different drugs, how to des the indications, contraindications and potential side effects. Prerequisite: Module I

Lecture	32	hr.
Laboratory	16	hr.
Externship	0	hr.
Total Hours	48	hr.
Credits	2.5

Refractive and Minor Surgical Concepts

COA250

In this course students will learn the key concepts of minor surgical assisting in the office. They will learn to clean, sterilize and prepare instruments for in office procedures as well as the disposal of materials. They learn the common types of procedures, medications and instruments used. Prerequisite: Module I

Lecture	32	hr.
Laboratory	16	hr.
Externship	0	hr.
Total Hours	48	hr.
Credits	2.5

Customer Service/Professionalism and Career Preparation

CSP201

This course will teach the student about professionalism, including work-place behaviors that result in positive business relationships. Students will learn goal-setting, stress-management, time-management, professional dress, etiquette, diversity in the work place relationships, excellent customer service, communication at work, conflict management, job search skills, building resumes, and interview techniques. Prerequisite: Module I

Lecture	30	hr.
Laboratory	18	hr.
Externship	0	hr.
Total Hours	48	hr.
Credits	2.5

COA Certification Preparation

COAC300

Students will apply knowledge and skills acquired in the classroom and laboratory in preparation for the certification exam. Prerequisite: Modules I-V

Lecture	32	hr.
Laboratory	0	hr.
Externship	0	hr.
Total Hours	32	hr.
Credits	2

COA Clinical Externship

COAX310

Students will apply knowledge and skills acquired in the classroom and laboratory in a clinical setting. Prerequisite: Modules I-V

Lecture	0	hr.
Laboratory	0	hr.
Externship	450	hr.
Total Hours	450	hr.
Credits	10

About the Ophthalmic Assistant Certificate Program

The goal of our Ophthalmic Assistant Certificate Program is to prepare you for an entry-level career as an ophthalmic assistant. You will learn how to evaluate patients, assist with interventions and procedures, perform imaging, and perform office and clinical skills.

Graduates of our Ophthalmic Assistant Certificate Program acquire the skills necessary to become an assistant in an ophthalmology or optometry practice. You will be able to provide assistance in patient evaluation, administrative tasks, and help create a caring environment for patients and their families as they move through the examination and treatment process.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Ophthalmology Assistant Program

What Does an Ophthalmic Assistant Do?

As a graduate from our Ophthalmic Assistant Certificate Program, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge you need to be an entry-level ophthalmic assistant. Some of the skills and knowledge your will acquire include:

Generate important preliminary information to be used by the ophthalmologist or optometrist
Review and maintain patient records
Perform preliminary eye exams and testing
Administer eye medications
Assist in minor office procedures/surgeries
Assist in patient education
Restore vision and eye health

What Externship Experience Will I Receive?

Included in the blended program is a 450 hour clinical externship, which is built into the certificate program to put learned skills into practice with our local healthcare employer partners to allow our students to gain real-life hands-on experience.

What are Some Ophthalmic Assistant Jobs?

With ophthalmic assistant training, you will be able to work in one of many different healthcare settings. Some of those include:

Ophthalmology offices
Optometry offices
General medical and surgical hospitals
Clinical research facilities
Outpatient care centers
Other health practitioners

Our Career Services team will work with you to ensure you are aware of your career options, train you in interview skills, and provide job placement assistance to find you the healthcare career of your dreams.

Train to Become an Ophthalmic Assistant at CHCP

If you are ready to enroll, you must first meet the following requirements:

A high school diploma or GED

Pass the Scholastic Level Exam with a minimum score of 16

Ability to proficiently read, write, and understand English

Excellent coordination and dexterity

Professional demeanor and presentation

Get answers to our frequently asked questions. We are here to help you every step of the way from personalized student support, job placement assistance, and career services for life. We can help you get started with financial aid options and affordable payment plans that are available to those who qualify. Contact an Advisor Today!

If you are ready or if you need more information, simply fill out the form to have one of our Admissions Advisors contact you! Take the first step towards your new healthcare career as an ophthalmic assistant.