Ophthalmic Medical Personnel (Eye Care)

Based on your timeline, availability, and the credential you want to earn, you can choose from:

• a diploma
• an Associate in Applied Science degree

The college catalog has full details about courses, requirements, and credentials.
To learn more about how to transfer credit to a four-year institution, please visit the Transfer Resource Center.

In addition to regular tuition, some courses in this program have laboratory fees. Other costs include textbooks, a physical exam, and immunizations.

Total program estimated costs

Ophthalmic Medical Personnel Scholarships

Students interested in the Ophthalmic Medical Personnel program may consider applying for the following scholarships:

• CEENTA Angie Madigan OMA Scholarship
• Public Health Community Scholarship
• SouthPark Lions Club Scholarship
• Tylenol Care Scholarship
• Thomas Luciano Memorial Scholarship

Note that organizations outside of Central Piedmont manage many of these scholarships.

The International Council of Accreditation (ICA) accredits the Ophthalmic Medical Personnel program. 

International Council of Accreditation Commission
2025 Woodlane Drive
St. Paul, MN 55125-2995
Telephone: 651.731.2944

Additionally, this program is a member of the Consortium of Ophthalmic Training Programs (COTP). The COTP is a non-profit corporation of ophthalmic educational programs in the U.S. and Canada.

ICA is sponsored by the following collaborating organizations:

• International Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (IJCAHPO)  
• Consortium of Ophthalmic Training Programs (COTP)  
• Canadian Society of Ophthalmic Medical Personnel (CSOMP/SCPMO)

The ophthalmic medical personnel program at Central Piedmont is a member of the Consortium of Ophthalmic Training Programs (COTP), a non-profit corporation of ophthalmic educational programs in the U.S. and Canada. 

Skilled and personable ophthalmic professionals are in high demand in North Carolina. They have many employment opportunities. For example, health clinics and physician practices are looking for eyecare assistants.

Assistants:

• need a high school diploma and must graduate from an accredited clinical training program.
• may earn certification as a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) through the IJCAHPO.
• may advance to the technician level through experience and further certification.

Technicians:

• need education or experience beyond the assistant level.
• may become Certified Ophthalmic Technicians (COT) after passing a more advanced IJCAHPO exam.
• may advance to the technologist level through experience and further certification

Ophthalmic medical personnel help eye doctors by doing important tasks and giving them the information they need to care for patients. They are an important part of the eye care team.

Here’s a breakdown of their responsibilities:

Ophthalmic Assistants and Technicians

• Take patients’ medical histories and explain procedures.  
• Test vision and check how the eyes work, including color vision, eye movement, and pupil reactions.
• Use specialized equipment to do tests including measuring eye pressure, which helps the doctor make a diagnosis.
• Administer eye medications and help with basic treatments under supervision.  
• Teach patients how to care for their eyes and use their medicine.  
• Assist in minor surgical procedures and prepare instruments for ophthalmologists.  
• Help with office work such as making appointments and keeping records. 

Ophthalmologists 

• Conduct eye exams to check vision and detect eye diseases.
• Diagnose and treat eye conditions such as glaucoma and cataracts.
• Prescribe medications for eye diseases and infections.
• Perform eye surgeries, including LASIK, cataract removal, retinal repair, and corneal transplants.
• Fit and prescribe corrective lenses, including glasses and contact lenses.
• Manage chronic eye conditions and keep an eye on disease progression.

For up-to-date information on ophthalmic medical personnel salaries, please visit Central Piedmont's Career Coach.