Ophthalmology Assistant

A young girl sits in an eye clinic wearing a phoropter while an optometrist adjusts the lenses during a vision test. An eye chart is visible in the background.

Ophthalmology Assistant

The Non-Clinical Ophthalmology Assistant Certificate Program is a 120-hour workforce training program designed to prepare students for entry-level employment in ophthalmic and eye care settings. This program focuses on the administrative and technical support skills necessary to function in a non-clinical capacity within ophthalmology practices, surgical centers, and optical environments.

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Program Description

The Non-Clinical Ophthalmology Assistant Certificate Program is a 120-hour workforce training program designed to prepare students for entry-level employment in ophthalmic and eye care settings. This program focuses on the administrative and technical support skills necessary to function in a non-clinical capacity within ophthalmology practices, surgical centers, and optical environments.

Through a combination of classroom instruction, lab simulations, and hands-on learning activities, students will gain foundational knowledge in ophthalmic terminology, patient interaction, diagnostic testing support, documentation practices, and front-office operations. Emphasis is placed on professional communication, ethics, and real-world application of skills in a team-based healthcare setting.

Students completing this program will meet the educational requirements for the ICA-accredited Non-Clinical Assistant level and will be eligible to pursue the Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) examination offered by JCAHPO, pending fulfillment of required work experience.

  • 120 contact hours of instruction (lecture, lab, and simulation)
  • Training aligned with International Council of Accreditation (ICA) standards
  • Preparation for JCAHPO COA certification eligibility
  • Delivered in flexible format (Hybrid)
  • Ideal for adult learners, career changers, and aspiring healthcare professionals
  • Upon completion, students will be equipped with the skills and competencies required to support high-quality eye care delivery in a non-clinical role and advance within the allied health and ophthalmic professions.

  • Administrative & Communication Skills
  • Appointment scheduling and patient check-in/check-out
  • Patient communication and education (verbal and written)
  • HIPAA and patient confidentiality awareness
  • Telephone etiquette and triage documentation
  • Office workflow and patient flow management
  • Medical Documentation
  • Accurate charting in paper or electronic medical records (EMR)
  • Use of standardized ophthalmic abbreviations
  • Medical scribing for eye care visits
  • Maintaining clinical logs and audit trails
  • Ophthalmic Imaging & Testing Support
  • Basic knowledge of diagnostic instruments (e.g., autorefractor, visual acuity tools)
  • Patient preparation for imaging procedures
  • Assisting with visual field testing and OCT setup (non-operational support)
  • Infection control procedures for diagnostic areas
  • Professional Conduct & Ethics
  • Professionalism in appearance, language, and behavior
  • Teamwork and collaboration with clinical staff
  • Adherence to scope-of-practice for non-clinical roles
  • Sensitivity to diverse patient needs and cultural competence
  • Basic Equipment Familiarization
  • Perform basic non-contact cleaning and maintenance of administrative equipment
  • Recognize safety protocols related to imaging devices and office tools
  • Identify common ophthalmic instruments and their use

On Campus: Wednesday 6-9 p.m.

Location: Kennedy Hall Room 136

Online Self Paced work: Approx. 4 hours

(Reading assignments, quizzes, discussion posts, projects, practice)

 

  • A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
  • Previous healthcare experience is beneficial but not required

 

Program Standards

Applicants must meet the academic and technical standards required by Sandhills Community College, including:

  • Proficiency in reading and understanding healthcare terminology.
  • Familiarity with administrative practices and ophthalmic procedures.
  • Successful completion of both theoretical coursework and practical program components (e.g., administrative duties, equipment knowledge, patient management).

Other Considerations

  • Applicants must be of legal age to have completed secondary education.
  • All students must be capable of completing training and sitting for the JCAHPO certification within the program's designated timeline.

  1. Submit proof of high school completion or equivalent.
  2. Complete program registration and pay registration fee. (See refund policy below)
  3. Submit any additional documentation required by the College or program coordinator.

 

To be eligible for the JCAHPO Non-Clinical Ophthalmology Assistant Certification Exam, candidates must:

  • Complete an ICA-accredited training program.
  • Accumulate 500 hours of work experience in an ophthalmology setting within the 12 months prior to applying for the exam.

Physical Requirements

  • Stand/sit for long periods
  • Lift/push/pull up to 30 lbs
  • Repetitive hand and arm movements
  • Use manual dexterity and fine motor skills

Sensory Requirements

  • Hear faint voices and body sounds
  • Distinguish speech with background noise
  • See objects at varying distances and light levels
  • Distinguish colors and temperatures
  • Tolerate odors, PPE, and confined environments

Communication Skills

  • Speak and write in English
  • Read, understand, and respond to written and verbal instructions
  • Communicate effectively with patients and colleagues
  • Recognize and interpret non-verbal cues

Sandhills Community College does not discriminate on the basis of:

  • Race, color, national origin, ancestry
  • Gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression
  • Marital or parental status
  • Religion
  • Age
  • Physical or mental disability
  • Military or veteran status
  • Genetic information
  • English language proficiency

This applies to all phases of the program: admissions, recruitment, employment, financial aid, placement, and access to educational activities.

Admissions decisions are merit-based.

All students receive equal access to support services and learning resources.

If you experience or witness discrimination, contact:

Title IX Coordinator:
Email: bluek@sandhills.edu
Phone: (910) 695-3979

Section 504/ADA Coordinator:
Email: russells@sandhills.edu
Phone: (910) 246-4138

Complaints may also be submitted to the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights.

This policy is available at https://www.sandhills.edu/policy/2-1-equal-opportunity.html

Alternative formats available upon request.

Title IX Coordinator:
bluek@sandhills.edu
(910) 695-3979

Section 504/ADA Coordinator:
russells@sandhills.edu
(910) 246-4138

Campus Security:
(910) 695-3831

College Website:
www.sandhills.edu

Grievances
www.sandhills.edu

Barrier Identification and Mitigation

Sandhills is committed to helping students overcome academic, personal, financial, and logistical barriers to success.

Instructor Protocol

Faculty are required to follow the Barrier Procedure Manual, which outlines:

  • Identification of barriers
  • Appropriate referral or support services
  • Accommodation guidelines

Our goal is to empower students and continuously improve support practices.

All costs are approximate and subject to change.

ITEM DESCRIPTION ESTIMATED COSTS
Program Registration Fee One-time enrollment fee $197.50
Textbook Elsevier Ophthalmic Assistant 11th Ed. $115-$130 (varies)
Scrubs/Uniform Required for labs and clinicals $30-$50
Laptop/Device Required for online/hybrid learning $400-$800
ICA/JCAHPO Exam Fee COA Certification exam through JCAHPO $250-$300


Note:

  • Optional study materials may incur extra cost.
  • Registration fee must be paid to confirm enrollment.


Refund Policy (Continuing Education Courses):

  • 100% Refund if you officially withdraw before the first class.
  • 75% Refund if you withdraw on or before the 10% census date.
  • No refund if withdrawal occurs after 10% census date.
  • No refund for fees (admin, supplies, insurance) unless the course is canceled.
  • 100% refund if the class is canceled by the College.