Optometric Technician

Start Date: June 21, 2008

End Date: October 18, 2008

Days of the week: Saturday

Time: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm

Course Fee: $2,695.00

Goals and Purpose:

This program was designed to provide, thorough didactic and practical instruction, training to prepare participants to work as Opticians Assistants, or Ophthalmic Technicians under the supervision of licensed eye care professionals.  Didactic lectures cover the theory, anatomy and terminology pertaining to the eye.  Practical instruction provides hands-on training in the listed procedure verified through a skills check-off system.  Graduate can take the National Opticianry Competency Examination (NOCE) offered by the American Board of Opticianry (ABO)

Performance Objectives / Participants Outcomes:

Participants will receive comprehensive instruction in assisting in the optical field.  The course combines theory and practical instruction over 25 weeks.  Competency will be measured by written and practical examination.  Practical material will be presented and graded in a competency-based fashion under the direction and supervision of a qualified instructor.

At the end of the course the participants will be able to:

1. Identify structures of the eye.
2. Describe the physiological mechanisms of the eye.
3. Contrast the differences between Ophthalmology and Opticianry.
4. Perform mathematical calculations common in the optical field.
5. Describe the theory of light.
6. Read and interpret an optical prescription.
7. Adjust eyeglass frame to meet the need of the client.
8. Complete eyeglass frame repairs.
9. Demonstrate the use of optical devices.
10. Demonstrate use of lensometer to determine prescriptions of existing lenses.
11. Complete a lifestyle analysis with a client.
12. Demonstrate selling techniques for multiple pairs of glasses and lens add-ons.
13. Demonstrate lens neutralization.
14. Demonstrate skill in career and educational goal-setting, organization, note-taking, and test-taking.
15. Complete externship requirements including physical exam, TB test, CPR, basic computer proficiency.
16. Use communication strategies associated with quality customer service.
17. Draft a resume that clearly communicates one's value to an employer.
18. Contrast effective communication approaches for dealing with people of various personal styles/temperament.
19. Use active listening, mirroring and parameter-setting to participate effectively in difficult conversations.
20. Describe and apply several strategies for managing stress on the job, at school, at home.

Instructional Units / Hours:

Instructional Strategies:

Lecture - Laboratory Techniques - Demonstration - 1 on 1 Instruction - Individualized Study - Small Group Discussion - Large Group Discussions - Independent Research - Externship.

Methods of Evaluation:

Pre and Post Tests - Class Discussion - Testing and Quizzes - Oral Exam - Performance Levels Reports - Observation - Assignments - Self Evaluation - Re-demonstration -  Final Exam.