Ophthalmic Technician, Associate in Applied Science

Pathway:
Ophthalmic Technician

Curriculum Code:
OPH.OPH.AAS (C217I)

Total Program Credits: 60-64

Ophthalmic technology is a rapidly expanding field with a growing demand for qualified technicians.

The ophthalmic technician, under the direct supervision of an ophthalmologist, assists in patient care. Ophthalmic technicians perform case histories, visual acuity measurement, visual field testing, refractometry, contact lenses care, and assist in minor ophthalmic surgery.

Accredited by the International Council of Accreditation (ICA), 2025 Woodlane Dr., St. Paul, NY 55125-2998. Employment opportunity in the field are excellent due to an increase in the number of support personnel employed by ophthalmologists and a rising demand for eye-care services.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Associate in Applied Science Degree in Ophthalmic Technician program, the graduate will be able to:

demonstrate proper data collection for testing and treatment administration;

safely apply proper procedures for testing, in order to obtain accurate results;
practice within OSHA safety regulations using universal precautions;
utilize effective communication skills and professionalism to accurately provide a complete patient history;
employ empathy and compassion while recognizing and complying with ethical and legal standards;
interpret the patient's history of present illness in order to determine appropriate diagnostic testing; and
successfully illustrate and complete all six (6) skills through participation of the JCAHPO learning systems software.

(Fall 2021)

Placement Measures

Program Map for Students

Semester One: Fall
Course	Category	Credits
AHL 100 ◊ Introduction to Patient Care	Core Course	2

AHL 101 ◊ Essentials of Medical Terminology	Core Course	1
OR
AHL 120 ◊ Comprehensive Medical Terminology	Core Course	3

AHL 109 Drug Calculations	Core Course	1

BIS 101 ◊ Human Biology	Life Science Gen-ed	4
OR
BIS 136 ◊ # Functional Human Anatomy I	Core Course	4
OR
BIS 240 ◊ # Human Anatomy & Physiology I	Core Course	4

OPH 112 ◊ # Ocular Anatomy & Physiology	Core Course	3
OPH 114 ◊ # Ophthalmic Optics	Core Course	3
	Total Semester Credits:	14-16
Next Steps	Meet with your Academic Advisor to create an academic plan. Explore transfer institutions and admissions requirements by attending transfer events (if intending to transfer).

BIS 101◊ or BIS 136◊ meets the Mathematics and/or Science general education requirement.

Semester Two: Spring
Course	Category	Credits
AHL 102 ◊ Ethics and Law for Allied Health Professionals	Core Course	1
OR
AHL 202 ◊ Comprehensive Medical Ethics	Core Course	3

OPH 113 ◊ # Spectacle Skills	Core Course	2
OPH 130 ◊ # Ocular Pharmacology	Core Course	2
OPH 140 # Ophthalmic Procedures I	Core Course	4
PSY 100 ◊ Introduction to Psychology	Social and Behavioral Science Gen-ed	3
	Total Semester Credits:	12-14
Next Steps	Meet with your Academic Advisor to update your academic (and transfer plan, if intending to transfer). If intending to transfer, create a Transferology account to explore how coursework transfers and attend a Transfer 101 Workshop.

Semester Three: Summer
Course	Category	Credits
OPH 141 # Refractometry	Core Course	2
OPH 245 # Clinical Practicum I	Core Course	1
RHT 101 ◊ # Freshman Rhetoric & Composition I	Communications Gen-ed	3
	Total Semester Credits:	6
Next Steps	Meet with your Academic Advisor to update your academic (and transfer plan, if intending to transfer). If intending to transfer, create a Transferology account to explore how coursework transfers and attend a Transfer 101 Workshop.

Note: Grade of “C” or higher is an IAI requirement for RHT 101◊ and RHT 102◊.

Semester Four: Fall
Course	Category	Credits
OPH 210 # Ophthalmic Procedures II	Core Course	4
OPH 231 ◊ # Ophthalmic Seminar I	Core Course	1
OPH 232 ◊ # Contact Lenses	Core Course	4
OPH 246 # Clinical Practicum II	Core Course	2
SPE 101 ◊ # Principles of Effective Speaking	Communications Gen-ed	3
	Total Semester Credits:	14
Next Steps	Meet with your Academic Advisor to update your academic (and transfer plan, if intending to transfer). Attend a Ready to Apply Workshop. (Minus the GECC Credential)

Note: Grade of ‘C’ or high is an IAI requirement for RHT 101◊ and RHT 102◊. Students must complete RHT 101◊, with SPE 101◊, or RHT 101◊ with RHT 102◊. Students intending to transfer are encouraged to complete all three courses: RHT 101◊, RHT 102◊ and SPE 101◊ to meet university requirements.

Semester Five: Spring
Course	Category	Credits
OPH 225 # Ocular Disease	Core Course	3
OPH 241 ◊ # Ophthalmic Seminar II	Core Course	2
OPH 247 # Clinical Practicum III	Core Course	2
OPH 251 # Ophthalmic Procedures III	Core Course	4
Take Credits	Fine Arts Gen-ed Humanities Gen-ed	3
	Total Semester Credits:	14
Next Steps	Meet with your Academic Advisor to finalize your transfer plan and apply to your transfer institution(s) if intending to transfer. Submit graduation petition by deadline (check for the specific date in catalog or syllabi.)