Eye Technician

Program overview

See our frequently asked questions and program costs for more information.

If you’re admitted, you’ll begin in the fall quarter and become part of a cohort (a group of students who take classes together). You’ll attend full-time during the day for one full calendar year.

Student learning outcomes

Graduation from the program is not contingent upon a student passing the external certification examination: Certified Ophthalmic Technician Exam. Upon completion of the program of learning the graduate at career entry will:

  • Appreciate and apply strict adherence to the highest level of medical ethics.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the basic concepts applicable to ophthalmic medical procedures and an awareness of the clinical applications of ophthalmic medicine.
  • Apply academic knowledge and clinical experiences in making appropriate professional decisions.
  • Function effectively as a contributing member of the ophthalmic team.
  • Provide consistently high-quality patient care.
  • Be self-directed and responsible for their professional actions.
  • Perform routine ophthalmic duties in a professional, accurate, and timely manner.
  • Perform all procedures within professional standards of quality assurance.
  • Participate in continuing education for technical and professional development.
  • Recognize the legal responsibilities inherent in the practice of ophthalmic medicine.

In addition, the Eye Technician Certificate Outcomes can be on the catalog webpage.

Professional objectives

Theoretical knowledge, technical skills, and interpersonal relations and professionalism provide the cornerstones for success as an ophthalmic medical technician. Students must demonstrate competence in each of these areas to become competent certified ophthalmic technicians.

Knowledge

Objectives related to knowledge and application of knowledge in the ophthalmic clinical setting includes:

  1. Effective communication, including writing, reading, listening, and oral communication.
  2. Understanding of facts and principles related to ophthalmic diagnostic and surgical procedures.
  3. Application of knowledge to working situations.
  4. Recognition of problems, errors in performance, and discrepancies in results.
  5. Problem-solving and analysis leading to appropriate course of action.
Skills

The student will demonstrate the following skills with increasing ease through the sequence of ophthalmic courses:

  1. Improvement in accuracy, speed, and precision.
  2. Organization of work, as demonstrated by logical workflow, productivity and economy of time, and materials.
  3. Safe, skillful, and orderly technique with good attention to details of the test procedures.
  4. Manual dexterity, coordination and ease in handling equipment with a minimum of mishaps and abuse.
  5. Maintenance of medical records and reports that are complete, timely, accurate, and legible with good attention to established protocols.
Interpersonal skills and professionalism

Interpersonal skills and professionalism are essential for the ophthalmic medical technician in providing high quality patient care and in performing as a member of the health care team. The following criteria are evaluated for each student:

  1. Interest, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn.
  2. Initiative and motivation as demonstrated by independence in performing routine procedures, preparation before class, decreasing need for supervision, willingness to go beyond the required assignments, and recognition of opportunities to improve quality and productivity of work.
  3. Adaptability to stress as shown by appropriate composure during stressful and/or new situations, and flexibility in adjusting to varying situations with compromising individual integrity.
  4. Cooperation, courtesy, interpersonal sensitivity, respect for the difference and needs of others, and a team spirit in personal relations with other students, clinical staff and instructors.
  5. Professional attitude as shown by an appropriate level of confidence and a positive outlook toward work and other people.
  6. Cleanliness and orderliness as seen on one’s personal hygiene, professional appearance and maintenance of the work environment.
  7. Integrity as demonstrated by the admission and documentation of errors, recognition of the potential danger of short cuts, and the maintenance of patient and co-worker confidentiality.
  8. Responsibility and dependability as measured by punctuality, attendance, and reliability of work.
  9. Positive response to supervision and willingness to accept constructive criticism.
  10. Perseverance and diligence in completing all assigned tasks and work through difficulties until acceptable results are achieved.
  11. Appropriate use of personal electronic devices in classes, labs, and clinical rotations.

Before graduation from the program, you’ll be eligible to test for international certification as a Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT).

Internationally recognized certification

The Eye Technician one-year program offers a certificate as an Eye Technician. Before completion of the program, you’ll be eligible to take the written portion for certification through the International Joint Commission Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology at the level of a certified ophthalmic technician (COT).

Becoming a certified ophthalmic technician (COT) gives you a competitive edge in a field where employers are actively seeking credentialed candidates.

Regulations

While in the program, you must:

  • Complete a criminal background check before clinical rotation placement (see below).
  • Pass a urine screening before participating in clinical rotations.
  • Complete and maintain required vaccinations.
  • Maintain a minimum “C” average letter grade and complete all coursework designated within the program.
  • Pass all Eye Tech program course finals with a 70% or better.
  • Have transportation to practicum facilities throughout the Portland Metropolitan area and surrounding communities.

Only those students who have been officially admitted to the Eye Tech program may enroll in Eye Tech courses with a prefix of OMT. Professionals in the field may be admitted on a space-available basis.

To advance from term to term, you must complete all of the previous term’s course work by receiving at least a “Pass” or “C.” For example, all courses listed for the first term must be completed before you begin the second term.

Criminal background check

All PCC students enrolled in a health care program, including Eye Technician, with requirements for practical experience or field training may have to pass Criminal History Checks (CHC) as a condition of their acceptance into a medical or other facility for training.

Students who do not pass the CHC may not be eligible to complete training at affiliated practicum sites, to sit for licensure or certification exams, or to be hired for some professional positions. If you believe that your history may interfere with your ability to complete the program of study or to obtain licensure or certification in your chosen field, you should contact the appropriate state board or the program director.