Ophthalmic Assistant
Certificate Program
This 150-hour Ophthalmic Assistant program equips students with the knowledge and skills needed for entry-level roles in ophthalmology, one of the fastest-growing fields in healthcare. Through a combination of classroom lectures and hands-on labs, the curriculum covers eye anatomy and physiology, ophthalmic pharmacology, prescription interpretation, visual acuity testing, basic tonometry and glaucoma, ocular imaging, and the use of specialized ophthalmic equipment and instruments.
Students will develop practical abilities in taking patient health histories, conducting vision tests, performing refractions, measuring eye pressure, and carrying out imaging and diagnostic procedures. Upon successful completion of 150 hours of instructor-led classroom and lab instruction, along with a 400-hour clinical internship, graduates become eligible to take the Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) certification exam offered by the International Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (IJCAHPO).
All textbooks, the certification exam fee, uniforms, and BLS certification are included in the program.
A clinical internship may be included; hours and locations may vary from the course schedule. Prerequisites are required. Please contact your preferred campus for more information.
Offered at the following location(s): Dover
What You Can Do
In this program, you will gain the knowledge and skills to prepare you for positions such as:
- Ophthalmic Assistant
- Optometric Assistant
- Ophthalmic Technician (with additional training)
- Front Office Assistant in Eye Care Clinics
- Contact Lens Technician
- Ophthalmic Imaging Technician
Prior to registering for this allied health program, an applicant must attend an and complete a placement test.
Workforce Development and Community Education
(302) 857-1400
This program is offered at the Dover campus.
This program is offered at the Dover campus.
This program is offered at the Dover campus.