Students are expected to provide proof of a Comprehensive Health Insurance Plan prior to the start of the program or clinical start for PTA and SLPA. The insurance plan must cover you throughout the length of your clinical experience, which is most cases, consists of the entire length of the program. If you are in need of Health Insurance, please note the following important dates and visit cod.studentbenefitplans.com.

Important Dates

• November 1 through January 15: Open Enrollment
  If you will need health insurance ANYTIME within the next year, you must apply during the current open enrollment period.
• December 15: Deadline to enroll in a plan that will start January 1.
• January 15: Deadline to enroll in a plan that will start February 1.
• After January 15: Enrollment is closed.

If you miss open enrollment, but have a qualifying life event, you can still apply during a Special Enrollment Period.

While we cannot guarantee your official acceptance into the program, you need to be aware that there is short timeframe of when you are able to purchase a Health Insurance plan. The purpose of this step is to make you aware and that the time to research and purchase is NOW. Purchasing health insurance outside of this timeframe will take months and may prohibit your admittance into the Program. NOTE: Obtaining Health Insurance is NOT an application requirement but it is a requirement to be in the program.

As an ophthalmic technician student at COD, you'll find:

• Small class sizes that ensure students receive personalized attention.
• Dedicated instructors with years of professional experience.
• Hands-on laboratory and clinical instruction.
• Program accreditation from the International Council of Accreditation (ICA) for Allied Ophthalmic Education Programs.

Ophthalmic Technician, A.A.S.

The Ophthalmic Technician program prepares the student to be an integral member of the eye care team. Emphasis is on fundamental and advanced clinical procedures to assist optometrists and ophthalmologists in the acquisition, preparation, and application of various types of equipment required for the delivery of eye care. Additionally, this degree will prepare students to sit for the national certification exam.

The Ophthalmic Technician program is a clinical ophthalmic assistant program accredited by the International Council of Accreditation (ICA) for Allied Ophthalmic Education Programs. Students are eligible to sit for the COT (certified ophthalmic technician ) exam upon completion of program.

More information about ICA can be found on: www.icaccreditation.org

Address: 2025 Woodlane Drive St. Paul, MN 55125-2998
Phone: (651) 731-7243
Fax: (651) 731-0410
Email: ica@icaccreditation.org

Academic and Career Pathways give you a roadmap to achieving your career goals. Follow a pathway based on your degree or certificate that outlines which classes you need to take and when so you graduate on time or move on to the next phase in your career.

• Ophthalmic Technician, Associate in Applied Science

Upon completion of the Ophthalmic Tech Program, the graduate should be able to:

• To demonstrate and be skilled in diagnostic testing as required by the standards and guidelines of JCAHPO and CoA-OMP
• To assist the ophthalmologist & optometrist by performing delegable tasks
• Collecting data, administering treatment, assisting in ophthalmic surgical procedures, and supervising patients in a safe and effective manner deemed appropriate according to the training level and may be delegated by a supervising ophthalmologist as applicable by law
• Become skilled professionals, qualified by didactic and clinical ophthalmic training, who perform ophthalmic procedures under the direction or supervision of a licensed ophthalmologist who is responsible for the performance of the ophthalmic medical technician
• Render supportive services to the ophthalmologist, optometrist and management
• Assist the physician by collecting data necessary to reach those decisions and by transmitting and executing the ophthalmologist's instructions
• Have knowledge, problem-solving skills, psychomotor, behavioral, and clinical competencies as well as demonstrate clinical thinking
• Skillfully and accurately perform the clinical diagnostic tests and patient services in conformation with the didactic curriculum
• Relate tactfully and sympathetically to patients as adapt to patient's needs
• Demonstrate proficiency in both written and spoken communication skills with patients, families and staff
• Demonstrate the ability to contribute to the profession and community

The Mission of the Ophthalmic Technician Program is to:

• To demonstrate reliability, self-discipline, cooperativeness, and professional deportment and demeanor in all activities related to Eye Care
• To help students in developing life skills of critical thinking, effective communication, professional behaviors, as well as demonstrate safe & ethical practices
• Provide curriculum that is built around the accreditation standards as well as enriching learning experiences for the students
• Helping create professionals who are trained to preserve eye health by being a vital team member of the growing and in demand eye care field
• To provide a hybrid learning structure for students to earn an Associate of Applied Science degree, which will prepare graduates to take the certification exam and to meet the needs of the community, as determined by the needs assessment which provided the basis for this program's establishment
• To collaborate with student support services to market the profession of Eye Care and Ophthalmology, and advise potential program applicants, orient ECA Program and Ophthalmic Technician students to College services and provide special academic assistance where necessary

The Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO) credentials set the profession's standards for ensuring the knowledge and competence of practicing Allied Ophthalmic Personnel (AOP) and are recognized as the most respected global credential for AOP.

The Eye Care Assistant program at College of DuPage will focus on JCAHPO credentials of the Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA).

As part of the allied health profession, Allied Ophthalmic Personnel (AOP) are one of the members of the professional team of eye care providers. Certified AOP perform assigned procedures under the direction or supervision of a physician licensed to practice medicine and surgery and qualified in ophthalmology. AOP are not independent practitioners and may not diagnose, teat eye disorders or prescribe medications. They can supply vital information to the physician, who is treating patients, and may assist in areas such as surgery, patient education and compliance.

Some of the most common tasks performed by AOP at all levels of certification include:

• Taking patient histories
• Maintaining instruments
• Providing patient services
• Taking eye measurements
• Administering tests and evaluations
• Performing a variety of clinical tasks

JCAHPO certifications and examinations include knowledge and performance of techniques in the administration of eye drops, ointments, and irrigating solutions to the eye, and knowledge about oral medications and non-invasive techniques. It is not within the scope of JCAHPO certification and examination to evaluate the performance of any injection technique or similar invasive procedure when needles, trocars, cannulas, or instillation devices are placed within and beneath tissue surfaces.

While certification is an important indication of your knowledge and skill, remember that JCAHPO does not guarantee the job performance or express an opinion of the competence of individuals who have achieved certification.

The Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) is the entry level core designation designed to start eye care professionals on the path to success. The COA designation confirms an assistant's knowledge in 19 specific content areas.

College of DuPage partners with several four-year institutions to help students seamlessly complete a bachelor’s degree in ophthalmic tech. Students can connect with Transfer Services for personalized guidance on transfer opportunities.

For more information about Transfer Pathways, visit the College of DuPage Catalog. The pathway outlines a typical two-year course plan for completing an AA or AS degree before transferring to a four-year program. Course requirements vary by institution, so consult your faculty or academic advisor for specific guidance.

Articulation Agreements

College of DuPage maintains transfer agreements with many colleges and universities to ensure a smooth transition toward a bachelor’s degree. These agreements often include a defined course sequence. Students should regularly meet with a faculty member or Advising Services to stay on track.

• Northern Illinois University, AAS Ophthalmic Technician to BS in Health Sciences

Transfer Guides

Beyond articulation agreements and guaranteed admission programs, College of DuPage courses transfer to many other institutions. Transfer Guides help students select COD courses that meet prerequisites for specific majors and include details such as contact information, major requirements, general education requirements, and transfer policies.

Both the Eye Care Assistant and Ophthalmic Technician programs have partnered with the following local clinics. Clinic sites are subject to change.

• Advanced Eye Care
• Advocate Dreyer Clinic, Inc.
• Central Eye Care
• Chicago Cornea Consultants
• Chicagoland Advanced Retina Care Ltd.
• Clemson Eye
• Dr. Cepynski
• Dr. Gaurav Singh
• DuPage Medical Group
• Duly Health & Care
• Edward Hospital
• Eye 2 Eye Vision Center
• Geneva Eye Care
• Illinois Ophthalmology Consultants
• Kirk Eye Center
• Loyola Hospital
• Lurie Children's Hospital
• Midwest Retina Consultants
• Palmetto Eye and Laser Center
• Retina Consultants of Carolina
• Retina Macular Care & Vitreal Consultants
• Spectrum Eye Institute
• Suburban Associated in Ophthalmology
• Swedish American
• University of Illinois at Chicago
• University Retina
• Wheaton Eye Clinic
• Windy City Retina