This program of study prepares students to become ophthalmic assistants who will work under the supervision of optometrists or ophthalmologists to provide patient care by performing many different eye- and vision-related clinical functions. Ophthalmic assistants take patient histories, perform the pre-testing and follow-up eye and vision examinations, provide patient education, and perform basic front office duties such as telephone triage and medical billing and coding.
Upon graduation, ophthalmic assistants may work in optometry practices, ophthalmology practices; optical dispensaries; optical laboratories; health care and optical equipment businesses; lens, frame or contact lens companies; and pharmaceutical companies.
The Ophthalmic Assistant proficiency certificate includes the admissions requirement of a composite score of 64 on the Kaplan health care exam. The Ophthalmic Assistant program is a select program. Based on feedback from employers, graduates are expected to be well versed in math, particularly degrees and angles.
