Ophthalmic Assistant and Optician Training

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Training

This 80-hour Ophthalmic Assistant and Optician Training course provides students with the skills necessary to perform ophthalmic procedures in the offices of an Ophthalmologist or Optometrist. Procedures will include taking medical histories, ocular anatomy and physiology, taking visual acuities, color vision testing, reading patient's prescriptions on a Lensometer, glaucoma testing, clinical optics and contact lenses, principles of fitting and adjusting eyeglasses, general medical knowledge, optical instrument, maintenance, and the skills to assist in minor eye care surgery.

The course is offered every Spring and Fall semester. It is 15-weeks duration and meets on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7-9. The clinical hours are scheduled separately. Students will prepare for employment in an Ophthalmologist or Optometrist office. Students will complete their 20 hours of clinical at a lab under the direction of the instructor's employees. This course is taught by Vision Health Services doctors and staff.

The clinical site involves hands on training for ophthalmic technicians and opticians which include: visual acuity testing, stereopsis testing, and history taking. It includes training on ophthalmic equipment NCT, fundus photos, visual field testing and electronic medical records data entry. Lensometer reading, optical measurements, frame styling and adjustments, frame repairs, contact lens insertion and removal, contact lens solutions and wear schedule, RX verification and Vision insurance verification are also included.

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About the Instructor

Dr. Glyn Pearson was born in South Africa, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Finance from University of Dallas at Texas. He received a Doctorate in Optometry from the University of Houston School of Optometry and is an ABO certified optician. Dr. Pearson has been a member of the American Optometric Association and Texas Optometric Association for 27 years.