Program Overview
If you are looking for a career in health care, have great interpersonal skills, are detail oriented, and like to work as part of a team, a career as an ophthalmic assistant may be for you. Ophthalmic assistants gather medical histories, conduct vision tests, coordinate patient schedules, and assist eye doctors with various procedural and clerical duties.
The Ophthalmic Assistant Certificate is designed to provide students with the knowledge, technical skills, and work ethic required for you to perform competently in an entry level position as a certified ophthalmic assistant. The program integrates classroom theory, laboratory experience, and clinical practice to prepare graduates for employment in an ophthalmic clinical setting.
Career Opportunities
Graduates will be able to pursue many career paths. Ophthalmic assistants work in a variety of health care settings including ophthalmologist’s offices, hospitals, and clinics. Job opportunities are good and are expected to grow.
Program Requirements
Students who attend the Ophthalmic Assistant Program through iHealth@NECC will complete most of their course work in online courses and come to our Lawrence campus once a week for in-class meetings and laboratory sessions.
Applicants must complete Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) at the Health care Provider level prior to entering the program. Students must receive a grade of “C” or higher in all OPT and HES prefix courses for graduation. A minimum of 26 Credits are required for graduation.
CPR
Students are required to be CPR certified at the Health Care Provider/Professional Rescuer level prior to the start of the Ophthalmic Clinical Practicum I course..
Drug Screening
Students enrolled in this academic program may be required to pass a random drug screening analysis.
Health
Students are required to complete a health evaluation, and complete the specific immunization requirements required by the college and the Division of Health Professions prior to final acceptance into the program.
Student Professional Liability Insurance
Students are required to carry professional liability insurance. The premium is to be paid at the time of course registration.
CORI/SORI/CHRI
Students interested in participating in this program may be required to undergo a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, a Criminal Records Central Repository (CHRI) check, and/or a Sex Offender Record Information (SORI) check. For more information, visit the CORI/SORI/CHRI page on the NECC website.
Northern Essex Community College is committed to the success of every student. Students with legal issues in their background will meet with a committee as part of the CORI/SORI/CHRI process and will receive guidance and counseling throughout the review of their records. NECC personnel make every effort to help students prepare for careers in their chosen field. Students are encouraged to seek assistance and support.
Ophthalmic Assistant Certificate Required Courses
| ENG101 | English Composition I | 3 |
| HES103 | RICCS: Preparing for Success in a Healthcare Career | 1 |
| OPT101 | Introduction to Ophthalmic Assisting | 2 |
| OPT102 | Ocular Anatomy and Physiology | 2 |
| OPT103 | Introduction to Diseases of the Eye | 2 |
| OPT104 | Ophthalmic Optics & Refractometry | 2 |
| OPT105 | Ophthalmic Clinical Procedures I | 2 |
| OPT106 | Basic Ophthalmic Pharmacology | 2 |
| OPT107 | Ophthalmic Clinical Practicum I | 4 |
| OPT108 | Ophthalmic Clinical Procedures II | 2 |
| OPT109 | Ophthalmic Clinical Practicum II | 4 |
Courses with Prerequisites and Co-requisites: OPT101, OPT102, OPT103, OPT104, OPT105, OPT106, OPT107, OPT108, OPT109
Program Notes
Recommended Course Sequence Ophthalmic Assistant Certificate
Year 1
Fall
| ENG101 | English Composition I | 3 |
| OPT101 | Introduction to Ophthalmic Assisting | 2 |
| OPT102 | Ocular Anatomy and Physiology | 2 |
Spring
| OPT103 | Introduction to Diseases of the Eye | 2 |
| OPT104 | Ophthalmic Optics & Refractometry | 2 |
| OPT105 | Ophthalmic Clinical Procedures I | 2 |
| OPT106 | Basic Ophthalmic Pharmacology | 2 |
Summer
| HES103 | RICCS: Preparing for Success in a Healthcare Career | 1 |
| OPT108 | Ophthalmic Clinical Procedures II | 2 |
Year 2
Fall
| OPT107 | Ophthalmic Clinical Practicum I | 4 |
| OPT109 | Ophthalmic Clinical Practicum II | 4 |