Ophthalmic Assistant

Program Overview

Madison College's Ophthalmic Assistant Certificate expands on the Optometric Technician Program curriculum. The Ophthalmic Assistant certificate may be completed in two semesters of full-time study, plus an additional four-week clinical experience.

Program Details

• Program Number: CERT
• Degree: Certificate
• Area of Study: Health Sciences
• Delivery Method: 100% In Person
• Estimated Time to Complete: 29 Credits | Finish in 1 year
• Estimated Program Cost: $5,033.57

Admission

• Application Dates: Application available on September 15, 2025; Application completion deadline is February 1, 2026
• Admission Requirements: Applicants must be in the second semester of the in-person (not online) Madison College Optometric Technician program.
• Additional Notes:
  • Certificate programs are not eligible for financial aid
  • Class capacity is limited and is available on a first come, first served basis
  • This certificate fills on a first-come, first-served basis; once capacity has been reached, it does not maintain a waitlist
  • Students who have already completed the certificate coursework at the time of application will receive the certificate diploma at the end of the term of application

Curriculum and Experience

• First Semester:
  • Optical Dispensing 1 (3 credits)
  • Ophthalmic Pre-Testing (3 credits)
  • Basic Optical Concepts (3 credits)
  • Ocular Anatomy (2 credits)
  • Human Relations - Optometric Technician Program (1 credit)
• Second Semester:
  • Clinical Ophthalmic Procedures (2 credits)
  • Optical Dispensing 2 (2 credits)
  • Contact Lenses (3 credits)
  • Ophthalmic Specialty Testing (3 credits)
  • Patient Relations/Pract Manage (2 credits)
  • Preclinical (2 credits)
  • Clinical Experience (3 credits)

Career Outcomes

• Job Placement: 92% job placement within six months of graduation
• Salary Range: $47,946 - $61,883 with the median salary at $54,478 (as of October 2024)
• Technical Training:
  • Patient pre-testing skills such as visual acuity, measuring eye pressure, muscle movement and pupillary assessment
  • Operating ophthalmic equipment such as phoropters, ophthalmic imaging instruments, ultrasonography, visual field testing, tonometers and lensometers
  • Assisting in ophthalmic surgery
  • Ocular anatomy and physiology
  • Ophthalmic terminology and pharmacology
  • Contact lens patient education
  • Visual training and practice management
  • Equipment maintenance and repair

Related Program

• Optometric Technician

Degree Overview:

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Overview:

Madison College's Ophthalmic Assistant Certificate expands on the Optometric Technician Program curriculum. The certificate can be completed in two semesters of full-time study, plus an additional four-week clinical experience.

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Objectives:

• Provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to work under the supervision of an ophthalmologist.
• Prepare students for a career in eye care, emphasizing the unique duties required of an ophthalmic assistant.

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Program Description:

• The clinical experience is an important part of the certificate training.
In this portion of the training, students will refine the skills they learned by working directly with doctors and patients during a four-week summer clinical session.
• Students must attend full time.
• Classes are offered at the Truax Campus.

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Outline:

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Content:

• Patient pre-testing skills
• Operating ophthalmic equipment
• Assisting in ophthalmic surgery
• Ocular anatomy and physiology
• Ophthalmic terminology and pharmacology
• Contact lens patient education
• Visual training and practice management
• Equipment maintenance and repair

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Structure:

• The program consists of 31 credits.
• Students must complete the following courses:
• Optical Dispensing 1
• Ophthalmic Pre-Testing
• Basic Optical Concepts
• Ocular Anatomy
• Human Relations - Optometric Technician Program
• Clinical Ophthalmic Procedures
• Optical Dispensing 2
• Contact Lenses
• Ophthalmic Specialty Testing
• Patient Relations/Pract Manage
• Preclinical
• Clinical Experience

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Course Schedule:

• First Semester:
• Optical Dispensing 1
• Ophthalmic Pre-Testing
• Basic Optical Concepts
• Ocular Anatomy
• Human Relations - Optometric Technician Program
• Second Semester:
• Clinical Ophthalmic Procedures
• Optical Dispensing 2
• Contact Lenses
• Ophthalmic Specialty Testing
• Patient Relations/Pract Manage
• Preclinical
• Clinical Experience

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Individual Modules with Descriptions:

• Optical Dispensing 1: Introduces the principles and practices of optical dispensing, including lens design, frame selection, and fitting.
• Ophthalmic Pre-Testing: Covers the basic techniques used in ophthalmic pre-testing, including visual acuity testing, refraction, and tonometry.
• Basic Optical Concepts: Provides a foundation in the basic principles of optics, including light, lenses, and vision.
• Ocular Anatomy: Studies the anatomy of the eye, including the eyelids, conjunctiva, cornea, lens, and retina.
• Human Relations - Optometric Technician Program: Explores the principles of human relations and communication as they apply to the optometric technician profession.
• Clinical Ophthalmic Procedures: Covers the clinical procedures performed by ophthalmic assistants, including patient preparation, instrument sterilization, and assisting with surgery.
• Optical Dispensing 2: Advanced study of optical dispensing, including the design and fitting of complex lenses and the use of specialized equipment.
• Contact Lenses: Covers the principles and practices of contact lens fitting, including lens selection, fitting, and care.
• Ophthalmic Specialty Testing: Introduces the specialized tests used in ophthalmology, including visual field testing, electroretinography, and ultrasonography.
• Patient Relations/Pract Manage: Explores the principles of patient relations and practice management as they apply to the ophthalmic assistant profession.
• Preclinical: Provides students with an opportunity to practice the skills they have learned in a simulated clinical setting.

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Careers:

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Potential Career Paths:

• Ophthalmic Assistant

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Opportunities:

• Work under the supervision of an ophthalmologist
• Provide quality vision care services to patients

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Outcomes:

• As of September 2023, the website salary.com indicates the annual salary range for Certified Ophthalmic Assistants (COA) in the Madison area is $45,162 - $59,083 with the median salary at $51,715.

Madison College

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Overview:

Madison College, formerly known as Madison Area Technical College, is a public technical college offering a wide range of academic programs and services. It aims to provide students with hands-on learning experiences and prepare them for successful careers or further education.

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Services Offered:

Madison College offers a comprehensive set of services for students, including:

Admissions:

Assistance with the application process, including transcript submission and becoming a student.

Enrollment:

Guidance on enrolling in classes.

Academic Programs:

A diverse selection of programs across various areas of study, including degrees, certificates, and credentials.

Transfer Opportunities:

Pathways to transfer to four-year universities, including partnerships with institutions like UW-Madison.

College Credit in High School:

Programs for high school students to earn college credit.

International Education:

Opportunities for study abroad.

Flexible and Online Learning:

Options for online and flexible learning formats.

Honors Program:

A program for high-achieving students.

Professional and Continuing Education:

Customized workforce training programs in various fields.

High School Completion and Alternatives:

Programs for GED/HSED, English as a Second Language, and other alternatives.

Career Discovery Youth Programs:

Classes and camps for youth.

Student Life and Campus Experience:

Opportunities to engage in clubs, organizations, athletics, and campus events.

Academic and Advising Services:

Support services for academics, advising, career development, testing, and transfer.

Student Services and Support:

Financial aid, scholarships, student safety, physical and mental health services, disability resources, veteran services, and technology support.

Commitment to Equity:

Initiatives promoting equity and diversity.

Paying for College:

Information on tuition and fees, financial aid, scholarships, and other payment options.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Madison College offers a vibrant campus experience with opportunities for students to get involved in various activities, including:

Clubs and Organizations:

A wide range of clubs and organizations for students to join.

Athletics:

Participation in sports.

Campus Events:

Opportunities to attend events and activities.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Hands-on Learning:

Emphasis on practical skills and real-world experience.

Career-Focused Programs:

Programs designed to prepare students for specific careers.

Transfer Opportunities:

Pathways to transfer to four-year universities.

Affordable Tuition:

Competitive tuition rates compared to other institutions.

Financial Aid and Scholarships:

Extensive financial aid and scholarship opportunities.

Student Support Services:

Comprehensive support services for students' academic and personal needs.

Commitment to Equity:

Dedicated to creating an inclusive and equitable learning environment.

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Academic Programs:

Madison College offers a wide range of academic programs across 11 areas of study, including:

• Architecture and Engineering
• Arts, Design and Humanities
• Business
• Construction, Manufacturing and Maintenance
• Culinary, Hospitality and Fitness
• Education and Social Sciences
• Health Sciences
• Information Technology
• Law, Protective and Human Services
• Science, Math and Natural Resources
• Transportation

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Other:

Multiple Campuses:

Madison College has multiple campuses located in Madison, Fort Atkinson, Portage, Reedsburg, and Watertown.

Community Engagement:

Strong commitment to community service and partnerships.

Alumni Resources:

Resources and support for alumni.

News and Events:

Regular updates on news and events.

Employer Resources:

Resources for employers seeking to partner with Madison College.