Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Field trips on and off campus may be included. Access to a computer and D2L is required. 

Upon completion of the course students should be able to:

1. Distinguish various career paths available in the ophthalmic professions and the educational requirements for each.
2. Demonstrate the legal ramifications of confidentiality, bioethics, and scope of practice.
3. Use effective communication that demonstrates competence and professionalism in the clinical setting.

This will be a two-hour lecture course. Specific activities may include lecture, group projects,  individual or group assignments.

At the beginning of the course the instructor will detail the methods used to evaluate student progress and the criteria for assigning a course grade.

The methods may include one or more of the following tools: examinations, quizzes, homework assignments, research papers, and student participation. Students are expected to participate in, and contribute to, all class and team discussions and activities.

HISTORY OF OPHTHALMICS 

• Discuss the history of ophthalmology and allied ophthalmic personnel
• Discuss basic visual anomalies and methods of correction.
• Define myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia and astigmatism.
• Identify the different tasks of opticians, optometrists, ophthalmologists, ocularists, orthoptists, contact lens fitters, ophthalmic photographers and ophthalmic medical technicians.
• Distinguish types of medical practices such as private practice, partnerships, group practices, health maintenance organizations and government programs as well an ambulatory and outpatient surgical facilities.

OVERVIEW OF HEALTHCARE IN THE UNITED STATES DELIVERY AND PAYMENT

• The inception of insurance in the US.
• Medicare, private insurance, other government plans that provide health care coverage
• Current federal healthcare policy impacting ophthalmology
   

SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE AND TASKS OF THE OMT

• Define the tasks of an ophthalmic medical technician functioning in an office-based practice or an ambulatory surgical center.
• State the diagnostic tests an ophthalmic medical technician will be expected to perform.
• List skills necessary to become an ophthalmic medical technician.

OVERVIEW OF HEALTHCARE IN THE UNITED STATES DELIVERY AND PAYMENT

• The inception of insurance in the US.
• Medicare, private insurance, other government plans that provide health care coverage
• Current federal healthcare policy impacting ophthalmology

SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE AND TASKS OF THE OMT

• Define the tasks of an ophthalmic medical technician functioning in an office-based practice or an ambulatory surgical center.
• State the diagnostic tests an ophthalmic medical technician will be expected to perform.
• List skills necessary to become an ophthalmic medical technician.

EMPLOYMENT & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

• State employment opportunities in an office-based practice, multispecialty clinic, surgical setting or other related occupations for an ophthalmic technician.
• Present volunteer opportunities for preschool screenings around metro area

PRESENTING A PROFESSIONAL IMAGE

• Describe appropriate dress and appearance and note examples of inappropriate dress in the workplace.
• Describe professional behavior and list examples of unprofessional behavior.
• Describe proper handling of confidential information.
• Describe medical ethics for ophthalmic medical personnel.

OFFICE EFFICIENCY, PUBLIC RELATIONS, RISK MANAGEMENT

• Describe the primary role of the ophthalmic assistant.
• Describe 4 ways to keep patients happy.
• Describe AAO guidelines for handling patient calls.
• Describe the proper procedure for noting missed appointments and cancellations on patient records.
• Describe the proper procedure for calling patients from the waiting room.
• Detail HIPAA and confidentiality regulations.

ORGANIZATIONS

• Explain what JCAHPO, ATPO, OPS, NCLE, ABO and AAO stand for and how these
  organizations serve ophthalmic medical technicians.