OPT-101: Introduction to Ophthalmic Technology

School
Health and Human Services
Division
Health Careers
Department
Ophthalmic Technician
Academic Level
Undergraduate
Course Subject
Ophthalmic Technician
Course Number
101
Course Title
Introduction to Ophthalmic Technology
Credit Hours
3.00
Instructor Contact Hours Per Semester
47.00 (for 15-week classes)
Student Contact Hours Per Semester
47.00 (for 15-week classes)
Grading Method
A-E
Pre-requisites
Acceptance into the Ophthalmic Technician Program, BIO 134 or both BIO 233 and BIO 234 all with a C or higher.
Catalog Course Description

Introduces the roles and responsibilities of health care professionals directly involved in vision care. Provides an overview of the comprehensive medical eye examination, including documentation protocol, units on ophthalmic terminology, and abbreviations. Also discusses career options and key elements of medical ethics for ophthalmic medical personnel.

Goals, Topics, and Objectives

Goal Statement

At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to effectively explain the career of ophthalmic technology and list the job duties performed by ophthalmic medical personnel.

Core Course Topics
  1. Certification of Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology
  2. Medical Ethics for Ophthalmic Medical Personnel
  3. Ophthalmic Practice Management and Coding
  4. International Sight Preservation Efforts and Ophthalmic Medical Personnel
  5. Comprehensive Medical Eye Examination
  6. Visual Acuity Examination
  7. Color Vision Assessment
  8. Screening Pupils and Peripheral Vision
  9. Ocular Alignment and Binocular Vision
  10. Biomicroscopy and Anterior Chamber Evaluation
  11. Intraocular Pressure and Tonometry
  12. Emergency Appointments
Core Course Learning Objectives (Separated)
  1. Compare medical, societal, and political factors that contribute to professional career development in ophthalmic medical assisting.
  2. Describe guidelines and requirements for certification of ophthalmic medical personnel in North America.
  3. Analyze ethical and legal issues relevant to vision care.
  4. Recognize and use ophthalmic terminology and abbreviations.
  5. Describe the elements of professional telephone etiquette.
  6. Describe the elements of triaging ocular emergencies over the telephone.
  7. Describe a protocol for performing basic visual assessments.

Assessment and Requirements

Assessment of Academic Achievement

Assessment of academic achievement will include quizzes, unit examinations, and written assignments.

General Course Requirements and Recommendations
  • Instructors (or their designees) reserve the right to require students to provide proper picture identification for test taking, graded papers or projects or other appropriate purposes.
  • HFCC Policy on Academic Dishonesty (Cheating) will be followed in this course.
Texts
  • Required Textbooks to be determined by program faculty approval.
  • Approval Dates

    Effective Term
    Fall 2019
    ILT Approval Date
    AALC Approval Date
    Curriculum Committee Approval Date
    Review Semester
    Fall 2019