Last Updated
8/31/2023 3:30:47 PM
Ophthalmic Technician, Associate in Applied Science
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.
- Successfully illustrate and complete all six (6) skills through participation of the JCAHPO learning systems software.
(Reviewed Fall 2023)
Placement Measures
Program Map for Students
| | | |
| 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 |
| 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.
| 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 |
| 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. |
| OPH 141 # Refractometry | Core Course | 2 |
| OPH 245 # Clinical Practicum I | Core Course | 1 |
| RHT 101 ◊ # English Rhetoric & Composition I | Communications Gen-ed | 3 |
| Total Semester Credits: | 6 |
| 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◊.
| 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 |
| 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.
| 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 Humanities and Fine Arts | Fine Arts Gen-ed Humanities Gen-ed | 3 |
| Total Semester Credits: | 14 |
| 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.) |
Note: Ophthalmic technician courses must be taken according to assigned sequence number.
See Associate in Applied Science Graduation Requirements by discipline: https://triton.smartcatalogiq.com/2023-2024/triton-college-catalog/applied-science-programs/associate-in-applied-science-degree-requirements/
See OPH course descriptions.
Chairperson: Lisa Maas, Ext. 3934; email: lisamaas@triton.edu; website: https://www.triton.edu/about/dept/academic/school-of-health-careers-public-service-programs/ophthalmic-technician/
KEY
(AAS/CERT) |
| General Education |
Communications, Fine Arts, Humanities, Life Science, Mathematics, Physical Science, Social and Behavioral Science (see individual degree requirements). |
| Core Course |
Course(s) listed in a semester the student is required to take. |
| Program Elective |
Course(s) that faculty recommend and are listed in the ‘Program Electives’ section (if any) for this program. |
If intending to transfer, choose courses accepted by your transfer institution. |
| General Elective |
Course(s) chosen by the student, if needed, above and beyond core courses and program electives (if any), to complete the Program Total Credits. |
| ◊ symbol |
This course is articulated. (course transfers to 3 or more Illinois State schools, as an elective or equal course-to-course) |
| # symbol |
This course has a prerequisite. (course(s) student takes prior to taking this course) |