The Vision Care Technician program at CV Tech prepares students through training in the areas of diagnostic testing, clerical skills, and assisting an eye care doctor. Students will learn to perform and document a variety of diagnostic tests as directed by a physician, record patient information and medical history in electronic medical records, clean and maintain ophthalmic instruments, assist physicians during patient appointments, and provide excellent customer service and patient care. In addition, students will give patient instructions and provide patient education on proper care and use of corrective lenses. The program offers practical experiences with local eye care specialists.

Occupations

  • Ophthalmic Assistant
  • Optometric Assistant
  • Ophthalmic Photographer

Entry Level Salary Range

  • $16 - $19 per hour

Licensure/Certification

  • Certified Ophthalmic Assistant
  • AHA BLS Provider, CPR, First Aid

Resources

  • The Ophthalmic Assistant
  • Anatomy & Physiology Overview

Local Program

Vision Care Technician, OCAS 9346/9359
Courses

Hours

OCAS
Vision Care Introduction 30
Optics 120
Ocular Anatomy and Physiology 80
Ocular Medical Terminology 40
Photography and Imaging 80
Ocular Disease and Ocular Pharmacology 60
Clinical Skills 150
Vision Clinical Practicum 400
Total Hours 960

Suggested Entry Level Skills

  • 10th grade reading level
  • Basic Algebra

Clothing Requirement

Students must wear scrubs every day (gray); you may wear a CV Tech t-shirt instead of a scrub top in class but a full set of scrubs is required for clinicals. A sweatshirt (no hoodies) or jacket is allowed with a CV Tech short sleeve t-shirt under. Students must wear healthcare appropriate shoes (athletic, closed toe shoes that are clean and professional, no Croc type shoes). Long fingernails can interfere with completing the skills of a technician, please keep nails to a modest length; consider no more than a quarter of an inch beyond your fingertip.

Instructor and Program Information

I am happy to speak with students/parents (for students under 18) about grades, learning progress, classroom behavior, or any other questions or concerns you may have about my class. Email is the easiest way to contact me; I check email daily and try to respond within 24 hours. You can also call after school (3:15-4:15) to speak to me.

Grading

Grades will be calculated based on total points.

Instructional Methods

Students are expected to meet the course goals and demonstrate their understanding of specific concepts. Various instructional strategies will be used: lecture, textbooks, digital handouts, hands-on practice with manipulatives, class discussions, Internet tutorials, leadership activities, guest speakers and special projects. Students will work independently and in groups. Assignments require students to use academic skills of reading, writing and math along with technical skills.

Safety

  • Students are required to pass a safety test with a grade of 100%
  • Safe operation of equipment and safe work habits will ensure the personal well being of students
  • Students must wear appropriate personal protective equipment for the task they are doing
  • Report any malfunction of equipment to the instructor immediately
  • Do not move or tamper with equipment; the equipment is set up and arranged in a necessary manner

Substitute

  • Follow all class policies and procedures; comply with substitute requests even if different from normal routine
  • Students will remain in class; no passes out of the room unless a student is requested by the office
  • For safety reasons; some programs may limit access to the shop or lab when there is a substitute
  • Help the substitute in any way you can and be a positive representative of CV Tech

Program Expectations

  • Speak kindly. Good communication with peers and instructors is an important skill. Actions such as gossiping, inappropriate joking, cursing, derogatory remarks, and disruptions are unprofessional and will not be tolerated.

  • Arrive ready. When the bell rings, be in assigned seat and in uniform (if required).

  • Time on task. Spend time on task: participate in instructional activities, follow directions, work with peers, etc.

  • Clean. A clean work space is necessary for safety. Every student will clean as they go and clean at the end of the day.

  • Ask for help. It is normal to have questions about difficult sections of learning. Please ask for help by raising your hand to have a section explained again or ask to step into the office if you would like to speak privately.

  • Track progress. Students will use a plan of study to track their progress. Failing to meet deadlines will result in zeros.

  • Break Time. Use your break for personal business (restroom, phone calls, food, drink); you must go to the break area.

  • Cell phones. While cell phones are convenient, they are a distraction to your learning. Please put them on silent and put them in the designated location. Refer to the CVTC Student Handbook for the school policy.

  • Professional behavior. Display professional behavior at all times; this means no horseplay, yelling, etc.

  • Solve problems. If a discipline problem should arise, the steps below will be followed:
    1st Incident – Warning and in class student/teacher conference to find a solution to the problem
    2nd Incident – Student/teacher conference and parent notification
    3rd Incident – Parent/student/teacher conference; conference may include administrator or counselor as needed
    4th Incident – Administrator notified and consequence to be determined
    Severe disruptions or repeated problem behavior will result in removal from class and administrator notification

CV Tech Student Handbook Topics

The instructor will discuss the following topics in the student handbook. The handbook can be accessed at cvtech.edu.

  • Daily Schedule
  • Attendance and Tardies
  • School Property and Textbooks
  • Supplies and Fees (fees for adults only)
  • Dress Code
  • Break Time
  • Emergency Procedures
  • Student Organizations
  • Work-Based Learning