Academic and Career Pathways give you a roadmap to achieving your career goals. Follow a pathway based on your degree that outlines which classes you need to take and when so you graduate on time or move on to the next phase in your career.

• Ophthalmic Technician, Associate in Applied Science

The Mission of the Ophthalmic Technician Program is to:

• To demonstrate reliability, self-discipline, cooperativeness, and professional deportment and demeanor in all activities related to Eye Care
• To help students in developing life skills of critical thinking, effective communication, professional behaviors, as well as demonstrate safe & ethical practices
• Provide curriculum that is built around the accreditation standards as well as enriching learning experiences for the students
• Helping create professionals who are trained to preserve eye health by being a vital team member of the growing and in demand eye care field
• To provide a hybrid learning structure for students to earn an Associate of Applied Science degree, which will prepare graduates to take the certification exam and to meet the needs of the community, as determined by the needs assessment which provided the basis for this program's establishment
• To collaborate with student support services to market the profession of Eye Care and Ophthalmology, and advise potential program applicants, orient ECA Program and Ophthalmic Technician students to College services and provide special academic assistance where necessary

Upon completion of the Ophthalmic Tech Program, the graduate should be able to:

• To demonstrate and be skilled in diagnostic testing as required by the standards and guidelines of JCAHPO and CoA-OMP
• To assist the ophthalmologist & optometrist by performing delegable tasks
• Collecting data, administering treatment, assisting in ophthalmic surgical procedures, and supervising patients in a safe and effective manner deemed appropriate according to the training level and may be delegated by a supervising ophthalmologist as applicable by law
• Become skilled professionals, qualified by didactic and clinical ophthalmic training, who perform ophthalmic procedures under the direction or supervision of a licensed ophthalmologist who is responsible for the performance of the ophthalmic medical technician
• Render supportive services to the ophthalmologist, optometrist and management
• Assist the physician by collecting data necessary to reach those decisions and by transmitting and executing the ophthalmologist's instructions
• Have knowledge, problem-solving skills, psychomotor, behavioral, and clinical competencies as well as demonstrate clinical thinking
• Skillfully and accurately perform the clinical diagnostic tests and patient services in conformation with the didactic curriculum
• Relate tactfully and sympathetically to patients as adapt to patient's needs
• Demonstrate proficiency in both written and spoken communication skills with patients, families and staff
• Demonstrate the ability to contribute to the profession and community

The Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO) credentials set the profession's standards for ensuring the knowledge and competence of practicing Allied Ophthalmic Personnel (AOP) and are recognized as the most respected global credential for AOP.

The Eye Care Assistant program at College of DuPage will focus on JCAHPO credentials of the Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA).

As part of the allied health profession, Allied Ophthalmic Personnel (AOP) are one of the members of the professional team of eye care providers. Certified AOP perform assigned procedures under the direction or supervision of a physician licensed to practice medicine and surgery and qualified in ophthalmology. AOP are not independent practitioners and may not diagnose, teat eye disorders or prescribe medications. They can supply vital information to the physician, who is treating patients, and may assist in areas such as surgery, patient education and compliance.

Some of the most common tasks performed by AOP at all levels of certification include:

• Taking patient histories
• Maintaining instruments
• Providing patient services
• Taking eye measurements
• Administering tests and evaluations
• Performing a variety of clinical tasks

JCAHPO certifications and examinations include knowledge and performance of techniques in the administration of eye drops, ointments, and irrigating solutions to the eye, and knowledge about oral medications and non-invasive techniques. It is not within the scope of JCAHPO certification and examination to evaluate the performance of any injection technique or similar invasive procedure when needles, trocars, cannulas, or instillation devices are placed within and beneath tissue surfaces.

While certification is an important indication of your knowledge and skill, remember that JCAHPO does not guarantee the job performance or express an opinion of the competence of individuals who have achieved certification.

The Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) is the entry level core designation designed to start eye care professionals on the path to success. The COA designation confirms an assistant's knowledge in 19 specific content areas.