Ophthalmic Medical Assistant Technical Diploma

Employment Potential

Optometric Assistant

• Ophthalmic Assistant
• Optical Assistant
• Contact Lens Technician

Requirements for Program Entry

• Work with Career Coach to:
• -Submit application and $30 fee.
• -Submit official transcripts (high school and other colleges).
• -Complete background check and $16 processing fee.
• Work with Academic Advisor to:
• -Complete health requirements.
• -Complete Functional Abilities Statement of Understanding form.
• -Meet Keyboarding skills proficiency.
• -Meet to plan your first semester schedule, review your entire plan of study, and complete Program To Do's.

Curriculum

Curriculum: The Ophthalmic Medical Assistant Technical Diploma is a three semester collaborative program between Lakeshore Technical College and Northeast Wisconsin Technical College. Upon graduation, a student will have completed 32 credits.

First Semester

10-501-101

Medical Terminology

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

10-501-101 MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY ...focuses on the component parts of medical terms: prefixes, suffixes, and root words. Students practice formation, analysis and reconstruction of terms. Emphasis on spelling, definition and pronunciation. Introduction to operative, diagnostic, therapeutic and symptomatic terminology of all body systems, as well as systemic and surgical terminology.

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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31-516-306

Basic Ocular Science

3

31-516-306 BASIC OCULAR SCIENCE…introduces learners to the structures, microscopic anatomy, and functional aspects of the eye and visual system. Clinical application emphasizes diseases, disorders and common treatments including pharmacological. (Prerequisite: 315164, Ophthalmic Medical Assistant program requirements met.)

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Semester Total

7

Second Semester

31-509-302

Human Body in Health & Disease

3

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

31-509-302 HUMAN BODY IN HEALTH & DISEASE ...students learn to recognize human body structure and function in health and disease states. Students explore the causes, signs, and symptoms of diseases of the major body systems as well as the diagnostic procedures, usual treatment, prognosis, and prevention of diseases commonly diagnosed and treated in the medical office setting.(Prerequisite/Corequisite: 10-501-101, Medical Terminology).

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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31-516-302

Optical Dispensing

4

31-516-302 OPTICAL DISPENSING …introduces learners to frame definition, parts and types of frames, measurement of frames and lenses, alignment of frames, inserting and removing lenses, introduction to dispensing of eyewear and frame repairs. (Corequisites: 31-516-303, Optical Concepts; 31-516-304, Ophthalmic Pre-Testing; 31-516-306, Basic Ocular Science. Condition: 31-516-1, Ophthalmic Medical Assistant program requirements met)

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31-516-303

Optical Concepts

3

31-516-303 OPTICAL CONCEPTS …begins the study of the neutralization and verification of spectacle lens powers, to include spherical, cylindrical and prism lenses. Also included are the properties of light and the function of a lens in vision correction as well as a review of basic math needed in vision care and the physiological aspects of vision. (Corequisite: 31-516-302, Optical Dispensing)

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31-516-304

Ophthalmic Pre-Testing

4

31-516-304 OPHTHALMIC PRE-TESTING …covers the history of optometry, relationships between optometry, ophthalmology and optician and various paraprofessional careers in vision care. The course involves the study of and practical experience in patient pre-testing such as case history, visual acuity, color vision, pupil evaluation and depth perception as well as the specialized testing procedures such as keratometry and blood pressure. (Corequisite: 31-516-302, Optical Dispensing)

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Semester Total

12

Third Semester

31-509-308

Pharm for Allied Health

2

Credit for Prior Learning Available »

31-509-308 PHARM FOR ALLIED HEALTH ...introduces students to medication classification, basic pharmacology principles, and supplements. Students apply basic pharmacodynamics to identify common medications and calculate dosages in preparation for medication administration. (Corequisites: 10-501-101, Medical Terminology; 31-509-302, Human Body in Health/Disease)

Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring

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31-509-309

Medical Law, Ethics & Profess

2

31-509-309 MEDICAL LAW ETHICS & PROFESSIONALISM...prepares students to display professionalism and perform within ethical and legal boundaries in the health care setting. Students maintain confidentiality, examine legal aspects of ambulatory healthcare, perform quality improvement procedures, examine legal and bioethical issues, and demonstrate awareness of diversity.

Course Typically Offered: Summer/Fall/Spring

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31-516-312

Contact Lenses

2

31-516-312 CONTACT LENSES …provides the student in-depth exposure to the technical aspects of clinical contact lens practice. Lecture and laboratory experiences emphasize lens verification, patient education and evaluation. (Prerequisite: 31-516-302, Optical Dispensing and Corequisite: 31-516-343, Ophthalmic Clinical Experience)

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31-516-330

Ophthalmic Clinical Procedures

4

31-516-330 OPHTHALMIC CLINICAL PROCEDURES SPECIALTY TESTING…provides the student experience and knowledge in areas of special vision care procedures: subjective refraction, visual field testing, slit lamp, Goldmann and non-contact tonometry, ultrasound, basic concepts of orthoptics and the treatment of eye diseases including instillation of eye medications and eye patching. Patient instruction and assistance are emphasized in laboratory sessions. (Prerequisite: 31-516-302 Optical Dispensing and Corequisite: 31-516-343, Ophthalmic Clinical Experience)

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31-516-343

Ophthalmic Clinical Experience

2

31-516-343 OPHTHALMIC CLINICAL EXPERIENCE …will have students participate in assigned clinical experience beginning with vision screenings on patients from the college and continues in an optometric, ophthalmology or optical setting. Class discussions are held analyzing the results of the screening as well as the students' performance. The student is expected to achieve specific educational objectives determined for this experience. (Prerequisite: 31-516-302, Optical Dispensing; Corequisites: 31-516-312, Contact Lenses; 31-516-330, Ophthalmic Clinical Procedures and Specialty Testing)

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Semester Total

12

Total Credits

31

Program Outcomes

• Apply technical skills to perform eye care prescreening and specialty testing procedures on patients accurately and efficiently.
• Apply technical skills to educate and assist patients with glasses and/or contact lenses to meet their eye health and visual needs.
• Perform business office procedures such as maintaining appointment schedules, maintaining patient records, processing insurance reimbursement, and bill patients.
• Demonstrate professional ethics, honesty, and respect when dealing with doctors, patients, and co-workers.
• Communicate clearly and professionally in both written and oral formats.

Note

• Eye exam required prior to Ophthalmic Pre-testing course (minimum 12 months prior).
• Students must provide proof of First Aid certification and CPR certification before Ophthalmic Clinical Experience course.