Health/ Health Careers

Ophthalmic Assistant CHHO-6200

This short-term program prepares students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a valued member of the eye care team. Ophthalmic assistants work in hospital, clinic, or office settings under the supervision of a licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist. Students will learn the specific duties of the ophthalmic assistant, such as identifying common clinical eye disorders and ocular diseases, assisting in surgical procedures, understanding medications, and utilizing medical instruments. A two-week, 80-hour clinical experience will be held immediately following the classroom portion to practice and apply hands-on experience at an eye care clinic.

Ready to learn more? Complete our online form or contact us at 319-398-1022.

Upcoming Offerings:
No upcoming dates at this time. 

Tuition Assistance:
Yes. Full tuition assistance is available to support your career goals. Fill out our referral form at www.kirkwood.edu/cefunding.
*Some eligibility restrictions may apply.

Industry Credentials Earned:
Completion of this course, plus 6 months to 1 year of practical work experience, will qualify the student to sit for an industry-recognized national certification exam.

Entrance Requirements/Prerequisites:
Prospective students must be 18 years of age or older, have evidence of high school diploma or equivalent, and score a 245 or higher on the Accuplacer Next Generation Reading Placement Exam. Additional clinical compliance including, but not limited to, a background check is required.

Delivery Method:
Classroom, Clinical

Length of Program and CEU Credits:
140 hours, 16.8 CEUs

Program Completion Requirements:
This is a pass/fail certificate. Student performance will be evaluated by a combination of attendance and class participation, exam and quiz scores, and satisfactory completion of the clinical experience.

Course Objectives:
• Understand and describe the ophthalmic assistant’s job responsibilities, professional training, and employment opportunities.
• Demonstrate knowledge of basic medical fundamentals, including related medical terminology.
• Conduct testing protocols for an eye exam and/or procedure.
• Utilize common medical instruments found in an eye clinic.
• Identify common eye disorders and surgical procedures.

Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this certificate program, students will have the knowledge and skills necessary to be a successful medical office professional. Students will be prepared to enroll new patients and provide information about the facility and its policies. They will be accessible to patients if they have questions or concerns, and also work with medical personnel to make sure they have information to provide proper care to the patient. They will also interact with patients at discharge, communicating billing terms, reviewing all paperwork, and confirming that outgoing patients understand how to care for themselves and what to do in case of an emergency.

Other Items to Know About this Course:
The following textbook will need to be purchased separately: Principles and Practice in "Ophthalmic Assisting: A Comprehensive Textbook, 1st Edition," Ledford & Lens, (ISBN-13: 978-1617119330), available at Kirkwood Bookstores.

Pathway to Credit Program:
None.

Related Information: 
NA