Ophthalmic and Optometric Assisting

Program Description

Learn the scientific principles imperative to ensuring optimal eye care as part of a multi-disciplinary team that includes ophthalmologists, optometrists, opticians and medical technologists.

Prepare to work as a medical office professional with specialized knowledge in ophthalmic (eye health) and optometric (vision care) terminology and clinical procedures. Through a combination of classroom theory, laboratory practice, and a clinical practicum, you will learn the scientific principles imperative to ensuring optimal eye care as part of a multi-disciplinary team that includes ophthalmologists, optometrists, opticians, and medical technologists. This program is unique in that it includes a combination of ophthalmic and optometric competencies, providing graduates with skillsets for two professions in one program.

Program Overview

Fast Facts

Students require access to a personal computer with Internet in order to complete the required courses
Students are responsible for any additional expenses related to their practicum, including pre-practicum requirements as outlined by the program, and relocation costs to practicum sites outside of Calgary

All courses must be completed within the program completion timeframe. Please be advised that for the purpose of student loans, full-time student status requires that learners are enrolled in a minimum of 60% of a full course load per semester.

Your Career

Graduates of this program may find work as ophthalmic and/or optometric assistants for ophthalmologists and optometrists in a variety of medical settings.

Student Success

Job expectations for success in this profession include:

Critical thinking
Effective communication (speaking, reading, writing, and listening)
Able to work independently
Able to work with others
Able to participate in classroom, lab and practicum activities as scheduled by the program
Able to work well under stress
Able to use technology
Able to maintain professional behaviour; emotional self-regulation
Able to work extended hours, including nights and/or weekends, and shift work
Able to meet the physical demands of the job (e.g. spending most hours working on your feet, walking, repetitive bending, repetitive tasks)
Able to tolerate latex, disinfection chemicals
Comfortable with performing patient care procedures which may be sensitive or performed in close proximity

Prospective students are strongly encouraged to refer to the ALIS website for career, learning, and employment information for Ophthalmic Medical Personnel to learn more about this profession.

Credentials

Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be awarded a SAIT Ophthalmic and Optometric Assisting Certificate.

Accreditation

The Ophthalmic and Optometric Assisting program delivered by SAIT is aligned with the competencies outlined by the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO) guidelines.

Progression

The progression requirement for students taking credit courses is a Term GPA and Total Institutional GPA of 2.0, with the exception of English Language Foundations and Academic Upgrading programs.

Admission Requirements

A minimum grade of 60% in each of the following courses or their equivalents:

English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2
Math 30-1 or Math 30-2
Biology 30 or Science 30

All applicants must demonstrate English Language Proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.

Program Outline

Year 1

Semester 1

ANPH 204 - Human Anatomy and Physiology 3 Credits
HSCI 219 - Ocular Anatomy & Physiology 3 Credits
HSCI 221 - Introduction to Ophthalmic Practice 3 Credits
HSCI 223 - Ophthalmic and Optometric Skills 3 Credits
HSCI 309 - Systemic and Ocular Pathology and Pharmacology 3 Credits

Semester 2

HSCI 218 - Applied Ophthalmic and Optometric Assisting 3 Credits
HSCI 222 - Ophthalmic Instruments and Testing 3 Credits
HSCI 251 - Assisting Surgical Procedures 3 Credits
PRCT 205 - Clinical Practicum 3 Credits

Total Credits 27

Program Outcomes

Medical Knowledge: Demonstrate ophthalmic and systemic disease and cognate sciences knowledge that applies to patient care in a vision care practice.
Clinical Skills and Patient Care: Demonstrate the ability to treat ophthalmic health problems.
Communication: Communicate with patients, families, and other health professionals in a responsive, and responsible manner that supports a team approach.
Professionalism and Lifelong Learning: Plan professional lifelong learning and continuing education opportunities that support personal practice as an Ophthalmic and Optometric Assistant.
Community and Health Services: Demonstrate an awareness and responsiveness to the larger context of health care.
Regulations and Ethics: Practice the protection and safety of practitioners, patients, and the public.
Technical Skills: Demonstrate proficient technical skills to promote best practice in the Ophthalmic and Optometric Assistant role.