Overview
The Ophthalmic Technician Program prepares Service Members to function as entry-level Ophthalmic Technicians in fixed and deployable medical facilities, performing tasks associated with ocular health and vision care. Upon completion of this program, the student is expected to provide competent Ophthalmic Technician Assistant services in the areas of patient evaluation, treatment, documentation, health promotion, and injury prevention under the supervision of a qualified licensed Doctor of Optometry or Ophthalmology within a variety of clinical and field environments. Technical proficiency in all skills required to fulfill the role of an entry-level ophthalmic technician is required to complete this course. This is a two phase program, with phase one occurring at the METC Branch Campus, Fort Sam Houston, Texas; phase two occurs at a Defense Health Agency (DHA) coordinated clinical facility, in accordance with respective Service requirements.
Accreditation or Related Information: The Ophthalmic Technician Program Air Force Track is accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education, 243 N. Lindbergh Blvd., Flr. 1, St. Louis, MO 63141-7881; Telephone: 314-991- 4100/800-365-2219; (WWW.AOA.ORG).
The Ophthalmic Technician Program Army and Air Force Tracks are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Ophthalmic Medical Programs (CoA-OMP), 2025 Woodlane Dr., St. Paul, MN 55125; Telephone: 651-731-7245/FAX: 651-731- 0410; (WWW.COA-OMP.ORG).
This program holds specialized national accreditation that is maintained through the Medical Education Training Campus (METC).
(USA) Army Requirements
Course Requirements
| OPHT 1102 | Ocular Pathology, Trauma, and Pharmacology | 1 |
| OPHT 1201 | Intro to Ophthalmic Care, Ocular Anatomy and Physiology | 2 |
| OPHT 1203 | Optics | 2 |
| OPHT 2101 | Introduction to Ophthalmic Surgery | 1 |
| OPHT 2104 | Operational Ophthalmic Care | 1 |
| OPHT 2502 | Fundamentals of Patient Screening and Ancillary Testing | 5 |
| OPHT 2703 | Army Ophthalmic Clinical Phase 2 | 7 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 19 |
(USAF) Air Force Requirements
Course Requirements
| OPHT 1102 | Ocular Pathology, Trauma, and Pharmacology | 1 |
| OPHT 1201 | Intro to Ophthalmic Care, Ocular Anatomy and Physiology | 2 |
| OPHT 1203 | Optics | 2 |
| OPHT 2101 | Introduction to Ophthalmic Surgery | 1 |
| OPHT 2502 | Fundamentals of Patient Screening and Ancillary Testing | 5 |
| OPHT 2713 | Introduction to Air Force Clinical Practicum | 7 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 18 |