Ophthalmic Medical Personnel
The Ophthalmic Medical Personnel program prepares individuals to perform ophthalmic procedures under a licensed physician specializing in Ophthalmology. Course work includes lecture, laboratory, clinical training in ocular measurements, ocular testing, lensometry, administering topical and oral medications, eye care, and caring for instruments.
Graduates are employed in medical institutions, clinics, or physician practices.
Graduates may qualify as candidates to take the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology National Certification Exam. Diploma graduates may be eligible for certifications as Certified Ophthalmic Assistants, and Associate degree graduates may be eligible for certifications as Certified Ophthalmic Technicians.
For specific information about potential positions and wages in ophthalmic medical personnel employment, visit the Central Piedmont Career Coach website.
Ophthalmic Medical Personnel (A45210)
Degree Awarded
The Associate in Applied Science degree - Ophthalmic Medical Personnel is awarded by the college upon completion of this program.
Admissions
- Complete a Central Piedmont Admissions Form.
- Submit an official high school diploma as well as college transcripts to the Student Records.
- Complete the Central Piedmont placement tests for course placement.
- Schedule an appointment and meet with an academic advisor.
Notes
Progression in this program is dependent upon a grade of “C” or better in all general education courses, as well as major and related courses.
Students must be certified by the American Heart Association in “Health Care Provider Level” CPR or by the American Red Cross in “CPR for the Professional Rescuer” before registering for an OPH course.
Students may be required to submit results of a North Carolina state or national criminal background check at their own expense to participate in clinical education experiences at health care facilities. As a condition of program admission, students may have to verify that they are United States citizens or are otherwise legally authorized residents of the United States.
Contact Information
The Ophthalmic Medical Personnel program is in the Outpatient and Simulation Division. For more information, visit the Ophthalmic Medical Personnel Program website. For further assistance, contact the Program Chair at 704.330.2722, ext. 3444.
| General Education Requirements | ||
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3.0 |
| ENG 112 | Writing and Research in the Disciplines | 3.0 |
| MAT 143 | Quantitative Literacy | 3.0 |
| PSY 150 | General Psychology | 3.0 |
| ACA 122 | College Transfer Success | 1.0 |
| Select 3 credits from the following | 3.0 | |
| Public Speaking | ||
| Introduction to Communication | ||
| Select 3 credits from the following: | 3.0 | |
| Art Appreciation | ||
| Art History Survey I | ||
| Art History Survey II | ||
| Cultural Studies | ||
| Theatre Appreciation | ||
| Myth in Human Culture | ||
| Music Appreciation | ||
| Introduction to Jazz | ||
| Philosophical Issues | ||
| Introduction to Ethics | ||
| World Religions | ||
| Major Requirements | ||
| OPH 113 | Introduction to Diseases of the Eye | 2.0 |
| OPH 114 | Basic Ophthalmic Pharmacology | 2.0 |
| OPH 115 | Ophthalmic Clinical Procedures I | 3.0 |
| OPH 116 | Ophthalmic Medical Assistant Practicum I | 5.0 |
| OPH 117 | Ophthalmic Clinical Procedures II | 3.0 |
| OPH 118 | Ophthalmic Patient Care | 2.0 |
| OPH 119 | Ophthalmic Optics & Basic Refractometry | 2.0 |
| OPH 120 | Ophthalmic Medical Assistant Practicum II | 5.0 |
| OPH 150 | Introduction to Ophthalmic Medical Assisting | 2.0 |
| OPH 151 | Ocular Anatomy & Physiology | 2.0 |
| OPH 217 | Ophthalmic Clinical Procedures III | 2.0 |
| OPH 218 | Advanced Ophthalmic Patient Care | 2.0 |
| OPH 219 | Ophthalmic Optics and Refractometry II | 2.0 |
| OPH 220 | Ophthalmic Medical Assistamt Practicum III | 7.0 |
| BIO 163 | Basic Anatomy & Physiology | 5.0 |
| MED 121 | Medical Terminology I | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 68 | |
Ophthalmic Medical Personnel (D45210)
Diploma Awarded
A diploma in Ophthalmic Medical Personnel is awarded by the college upon completion of this program.
Admissions
- Complete a Central Piedmont Admissions Form.
- Submit an official high school diploma as well as college transcripts to the Student Records.
- Complete Central Piedmont placement tests for course placement.
- Schedule an appointment and meet with an academic advisor.
Notes
Progression in this program is dependent upon a grade of “C” or better in all general education courses, as well as major and related courses.
Students must be certified by the American Heart Association in “Health Care Provider Level” CPR or by the American Red Cross in “CPR for the Professional Rescuer” prior to registering for an OPH course.
To participate in clinical education experiences at health care facilities, students may be required to submit results of a North Carolina state or national criminal background check at their own expense. As a condition of program admission, students may be required to verify that they are United States citizens or are otherwise legally authorized residents of the United States.
Contact Information
The Ophthalmic Medical Personnel program is in the Outpatient and Simulation Division. For more information, visit the Ophthalmic Medical Personnel Program website. For further assistance, contact the program chair at 704.330.2722, ext. 3444.
| General Education Requirements | ||
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3.0 |
| PSY 150 | General Psychology | 3.0 |
| ACA 122 | College Transfer Success | 1.0 |
| Select 3.0 Credits from the following | 3.0 | |
| Introduction to Communication | ||
| Public Speaking (Select 3.0 Credits from the following) | ||
| Major Requirements | ||
| OPH 150 | Introduction to Ophthalmic Medical Assisting | 2.0 |
| OPH 151 | Ocular Anatomy & Physiology | 2.0 |
| OPH 113 | Introduction to Diseases of the Eye | 2.0 |
| OPH 114 | Basic Ophthalmic Pharmacology | 2.0 |
| OPH 115 | Ophthalmic Clinical Procedures I | 3.0 |
| OPH 116 | Ophthalmic Medical Assistant Practicum I | 5.0 |
| OPH 117 | Ophthalmic Clinical Procedures II | 3.0 |
| OPH 118 | Ophthalmic Patient Care | 2.0 |
| OPH 119 | Ophthalmic Optics & Basic Refractometry | 2.0 |
| OPH 120 | Ophthalmic Medical Assistant Practicum II | 5.0 |
| MED 121 | Medical Terminology I | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 41 | |
Ophthalmic Medical Personnel Certificates
Ophthalmic Medical Personnel Certificate (C45210-C1)
This certificate is available for dually enrolled high school students through Career and College Promise.
| Major Requirements | ||
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3.0 |
| PSY 150 | General Psychology | 3.0 |
| OPH 150 | Introduction to Ophthalmic Medical Assisting | 2.0 |
| OPH 151 | Ocular Anatomy & Physiology | 2.0 |
| MED 121 | Medical Terminology I | 3.0 |
| ACA 122 | College Transfer Success | 1.0 |
| Total Credits | 14 | |
Ophthalmic Medical Personnel Suggested Course Sequences
The following is the suggested plan for when to take each course to complete the Associate in Applied Science degree, based on the program requirements of the 2024-2025 catalog. This is only a recommendation — you may take courses in another order upon consultation with your advisor. This plan is based on you starting with college-level math and English courses, starting your program in the fall, and attending full-time. You can also follow this sequence if you attend part-time. Speak with your academic advisor about the plan and any questions. This program might also offer diplomas or certificates; visit the catalog or contact the program for details. Visit the Academic Advising page for instructions on locating your assigned advisor: https://www.cpcc.edu/academics/academic-advising
- Ophthalmic Medical Personnel Diploma (D45210)
- Ophthalmic Medical Personnel Associate in Applied Science Degree (A45210)
Ophthalmic Medical Personnel Diploma (D45210)
| Term I | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| OPH 150 | Introduction to Ophthalmic Medical Assisting | 2.0 |
| OPH 151 | Ocular Anatomy & Physiology | 2.0 |
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3.0 |
| OPH 113 | Introduction to Diseases of the Eye | 2.0 |
| OPH 115 | Ophthalmic Clinical Procedures I | 3.0 |
| OPH 119 | Ophthalmic Optics & Basic Refractometry | 2.0 |
| MED 121 | Medical Terminology I | 3.0 |
| ACA 122 | College Transfer Success | 1.0 |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Term II | ||
| PSY 150 | General Psychology | 3.0 |
| OPH 114 | Basic Ophthalmic Pharmacology | 2.0 |
| COM 231 | Public Speaking | 3.0 |
| OPH 116 | Ophthalmic Medical Assistant Practicum I | 5.0 |
| OPH 117 | Ophthalmic Clinical Procedures II | 3.0 |
| OPH 118 | Ophthalmic Patient Care | 2.0 |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Term III | ||
| OPH 120 | Ophthalmic Medical Assistant Practicum II | 5.0 |
| Credits | 5 | |
| Total Credits | 41 | |
Ophthalmic Medical Personnel Associate in Applied Science Degree (A45210)
| Term I | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| OPH 150 | Introduction to Ophthalmic Medical Assisting | 2.0 |
| OPH 151 | Ocular Anatomy & Physiology | 2.0 |
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3.0 |
| OPH 113 | Introduction to Diseases of the Eye | 2.0 |
| OPH 115 | Ophthalmic Clinical Procedures I | 3.0 |
| OPH 119 | Ophthalmic Optics & Basic Refractometry | 2.0 |
| MED 121 | Medical Terminology I | 3.0 |
| ACA 122 | College Transfer Success | 1.0 |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Term II | ||
| PSY 150 | General Psychology | 3.0 |
| OPH 114 | Basic Ophthalmic Pharmacology | 2.0 |
| COM 110 or COM 231 | Introduction to Communication or Public Speaking | 3.0 |
| OPH 116 | Ophthalmic Medical Assistant Practicum I | 5.0 |
| OPH 117 | Ophthalmic Clinical Procedures II | 3.0 |
| OPH 118 | Ophthalmic Patient Care | 2.0 |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Term III | ||
| OPH 120 | Ophthalmic Medical Assistant Practicum II | 5.0 |
| Credits | 5 | |
| Term IV | ||
| OPH 217 | Ophthalmic Clinical Procedures III | 2.0 |
| OPH 218 | Advanced Ophthalmic Patient Care | 2.0 |
| OPH 219 | Ophthalmic Optics and Refractometry II | 2.0 |
| BIO 163 | Basic Anatomy & Physiology | 5.0 |
| MAT 143 | Quantitative Literacy | 3.0 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Term V | ||
| OPH 220 | Ophthalmic Medical Assistamt Practicum III | 7.0 |
| ENG 112 | Writing and Research in the Disciplines | 3.0 |
| Humanities/Fine Arts | 3.0 | |
| Credits | 13 | |
| Total Credits | 68 | |