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 | 2.0 |
| OPH 116 | Ophthalmic Medical Assistant Practicum I | 6.0 |
| OPH 117 | Ophthalmic Clinical Procedures II | 2.0 |
| OPH 118 | Ophthalmic Patient Care | 2.0 |
| OPH 119 | Ophthalmic Optics & Basic Refractometry | 2.0 |
| OPH 120 | Ophthalmic Medical Assistant Practicum II | 6.0 |
| OPH 150 | Intro 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 | 8.0 |
| BIO 163 | Basic Anatomy & Physiology | 5.0 |
| MED 121 | Medical Terminology I | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 69 | |
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 | Intro 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 | 2.0 |
| OPH 116 | Ophthalmic Medical Assistant Practicum I | 6.0 |
| OPH 117 | Ophthalmic Clinical Procedures II | 2.0 |
| OPH 118 | Ophthalmic Patient Care | 2.0 |
| OPH 119 | Ophthalmic Optics & Basic Refractometry | 2.0 |
| OPH 120 | Ophthalmic Medical Assistant Practicum II | 6.0 |
| MED 121 | Medical Terminology I | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 41 | |
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 2022-2023 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 an advisor about the plan and any questions. This program might also offer diplomas or certificates; visit the catalog or contact the program for details.
Ophthalmic Medical Personnel suggested course sequence (associate degree)
Ophthalmic Medical Personnel suggested course sequence (diploma)
Courses
OPH 113. Introduction to Diseases of the Eye. 2.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0
This course introduces common external and internal diseases of the eye and orbital region. Topics include common patient complaints, ocular emergencies, triage procedures and common ocular conditions and disorders. Upon completion, the student should be able to identify most common ocular diseases and determine appropriate emergency management of acute ocular problems.
OPH 114. Basic Ophthalmic Pharmacology. 2.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0
This course introduces and compares drug delivery systems. Topics include the use of diagnostic agents and various classes of drugs commonly used in ophthalmic practices. Upon completion, the students should administer and record topical and oral medications at the physician's direction.
OPH 115. Ophthalmic Clinical Procedures I. 2.0 Credits. Class-1.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-2.0. Work-0.0
This course introduces basic clinical procedures for the ophthalmic practice. Topics include telephone triage and basic procedures commonly used in the preliminary examination of patients. Topics include basic procedures commonly used in the preliminary examination of patients. Upon completion, the student should be able to perform basic administrative tasks and perform basic procedures commonly used in patient examinations.
OPH 116. Ophthalmic Medical Assistant Practicum I. 6.0 Credits. Class-0.0. Clinical-18.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0
This course introduces ophthalmic patient care procedures. Topics include interpersonal skills with patients, work and legal ethics, confidentiality, clinical appearance and performance. Upon completion, the student will be able to demonstrate competence and efficiency in basic clinical skills.
OPH 117. Ophthalmic Clinical Procedures II. 2.0 Credits. Class-1.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-2.0. Work-0.0
This course introduces more intermediate clinical procedures for the ophthalmic practice. Topics include coding and testing associated with the treatment of glaucoma, cataracts and refractive errors. Upon completion, the student should understand coding for ophthalmic procedures and perform more intermediate clinical procedures.
OPH 118. Ophthalmic Patient Care. 2.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0
This course is an overview of the care of the opthalmic patient. Topics include systemic diseases in the eye, review of first aid, emergency equipment and supplies, infection control, identification and sterilization of minor surgical equipment, and aseptic technique. Upon completion, the students should be able to apply these principles in their interactions with patients.
OPH 119. Ophthalmic Optics & Basic Refractometry. 2.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0
This course introduces basic theoretical and clinical optics. Topics include interaction of light and lenses, refractive states of the eye, and principles of retinoscopy and refractometry. Upon completion, the student will demonstrate physical and geometric optics, and basic refractometry techniques.
OPH 120. Ophthalmic Medical Assistant Practicum II. 6.0 Credits. Class-0.0. Clinical-18.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0
This course provides additional clinical experience in ophthalmic patient care procedures. Topics include interpersonal skills with patients, work and legal ethics, confidentiality, appearance and performance. Upon completion, the student will be able to perform basic and intermediate clinical skills, working towards competence and efficiency.
OPH 150. Intro to Ophthalmic Medical Assisting. 2.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0
This course introduces the role, scope, and duties of the ophthalmic assistant. Topics include medical ethics, duties of assistant, medical history, basic medical terminology, and an overview of human anatomy and physiology. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of medical history taking and show an understanding of the role of ophthalmic medical personnel in patient care.
OPH 151. Ocular Anatomy & Physiology. 2.0 Credits. Class-2.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0
This course studies the normal anatomy and physiology of eye and orbit. Topics include structures of the eye, functioning process of the eye and correct medical terminology of the structures and functions of the eye. Upon completion, the student should demonstrate a basic understanding and fundamental principles of anatomy and physiology of the eye.
OPH 217. Ophthalmic Clinical Procedures III. 2.0 Credits. Class-1.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-2.0. Work-0.0
This course focuses on advanced clinical procedures for the ophthalmic practice. Topics include an emphasis on more advanced skill development. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate increasing speed and accuracy in performing clinical skills.
OPH 218. Advanced Ophthalmic Patient Care. 2.0 Credits. Class-1.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-2.0. Work-0.0
This course presents the principles of advanced diagnostic testing and techniques. Topics include advanced imaging and supplemental testing. Upon completion, students should be able to apply these principles in their interaction with patients.
OPH 219. Ophthalmic Optics and Refractometry II. 2.0 Credits. Class-1.0. Clinical-0.0. Lab-2.0. Work-0.0
This course reviews intermediate theoretical and clinical optics and covers theories of visual perception. Topics include low vision, contact lenses, and advanced principles of retinoscopy and refractometry. Upon completion, the student will demonstrate more advanced proficiency in optical calculations.
OPH 220. Ophthalmic Medical Assistamt Practicum III. 8.0 Credits. Class-0.0. Clinical-24.0. Lab-0.0. Work-0.0
This course provides additional clinical experience in ophthalmic patient care procedures. Topics include developing proficiency while performing ophthalmic diagnostic and imaging procedures. Upon completion, the student will be able to perform actual patient examination under supervision while demonstrating increased clinical competence and efficiency.