Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Training

Ophthalmic assistants work with ophthalmologists, helping them conduct diagnostic eye tests, measuring visual acuity and health and checking eye muscle functions. Opthalmic assistants also help patients with their contact lenses and apply eye medicines or dressings.

Types

• The Certified Ophthalmic Assistant or COA designation is the initial level of certification awarded by the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology or JCAHPO. The subsequent levels are Certified Ophthalmic Technician or COT, an intermediate level, and Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist or COMT, the advanced level. COTs have more technical responsibilities, using ultrasound and taking ophthalmic photographs. COMTs often supervise or instruct COTs or COAs and have advanced clinical skills.

Function

• To become a certified ophthalmic assistant, a candidate must complete a training program. Most training programs take six months to a year to complete. Most assistants prepare through an independent study program such as one offered by the JCAHPO or the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Alternatively, a candidate may attend an accredited training program offered by a vocational or technical school. Certification can lead to more job opportunities, better chances for advancement and higher salaries, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Requirements

• A certified candidate must pass a certification exam, gain work experience or complete an independent study program. Training program course work covers subjects in physiology, anatomy, medical terminology, lab techniques, diagnostic and clinical procedures, pharmacology in ophthalmology and first aid. Ophthalmic assistants must know eye anatomy and physiology, eye diseases, eye tests and vision measurements, and medical and surgical eye treatments.