Program Overview

B.Sc. Specialized in Ophthalmic Medical Technology

The B.Sc. Specialized in Ophthalmic Medical Technology is a 120-credit program that offers a solid foundation in basic sciences during the first two years, with a focus on ophthalmology and eye science in the third and fourth years.

Program Overview

As the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases, known as ophthalmologic medicine, become more complex, the demand for healthcare workers with specialized knowledge and skills in ophthalmic medical technology is increasing. Ophthalmic medical technologists use state-of-the-art equipment, including lasers and imaging systems, to provide quality care to patients.

Program Structure

The program includes both practical clinical experiences and didactic instruction. Students in the third and fourth years of the program take their courses in English at the Eye Institute of the University of Ottawa, located on the General Campus of the Ottawa Hospital.

Admission Criteria

Admission to the third year of the program is competitive and includes an individual interview with the admissions committee. To be eligible for the third year, students must have completed all required courses (60 credits) in the first two years with a cumulative weighted average of at least 6.0. The committee selects candidates based on several factors and may consider strong and experienced candidates with a background in science, even if they have not met all the prerequisites. Admissions are limited to four students per year, and meeting the basic requirements does not guarantee acceptance.

Program Requirements

The program requires 120 credits, including:

• Introduction to biology of organisms (3 credits)
• Introduction to cellular and molecular biology (3 credits)
• Principles of chemistry (3 credits)
• Organic chemistry I (3 credits)
• Differential and integral calculus for life sciences I (3 credits)
• Differential and integral calculus for life sciences II (3 credits)
• Principles of physics I (3 credits)
• Principles of physics II (3 credits)
• 3 credits of elective courses chosen from:
  • Technical and scientific writing
  • Analysis, writing, and argumentation I
• 3 credits of elective courses chosen from:
  • Health determinants
  • Introduction to psychology: applications
• Introduction to biochemistry (3 credits)
• Genetics (3 credits)
• Organic chemistry II (3 credits)
• Laboratory of organic chemistry II (3 credits)
• Introduction to biostatistics (3 credits)
• Bioethics (3 credits)
• Health research: qualitative and quantitative approaches (3 credits)
• Ocular anatomy and physiology (3 credits)
• Optics and refraction (3 credits)
• Basic diagnostics I (3 credits)
• Clinical application I (3 credits)
• Ophthalmic subspecialties (3 credits)
• Basics diagnostics II (3 credits)
• Ophthalmic basic science seminars I (3 credits)
• Introduction to ophthalmic technology: basic skills-I (6 credits)
• Advanced diagnostics I (3 credits)
• Ophthalmic pharmacology and microbiology (3 credits)
• Ophthalmic basic science seminars II (3 credits)
• Specialized diagnostics (3 credits)
• Advanced diagnostics II (3 credits)
• Ophthalmic abnormalities and disorders (3 credits)
• Ophthalmic technology: basic skills II (6 credits)
• Clinical application-II (6 credits)
• 12 credits of optional courses at the 2000, 3000, or 4000 level offered by the Faculty of Science

Language of Instruction

The first two years of the program are offered in both French and English, while the last two years are offered in English only.