Three
Levels _______ _________________________________
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The
program is designed so that all optometric personnel can work
at their own speed to improve skill levels through a planned,
standardized educational process. Each level consists of live
lectures, additional self-study using lecture notes, textbooks
(if needed) and final tests covering each of the program’s
subject areas.
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Level
One ________________________________________
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O.A.
Optometric Assistant, 12 hours
- Ophthalmic
Dispensing
- Ophthalmic
Lenses
- Introduction
to Patient Care/Clinical Procedures
- Contact
Lenses
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Level
Two ________________________________________
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O.A.A.
Optometric Advanced Assistant, 15 hours
- Anatomy
and Physiology of the Eye
- Ophthalmic
Dispensing, Level Two
- Ophthalmic
Lenses, Level Two
- Clinical
Procedures, Level Two
- Contact
Lenses, Level Two
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Level
Three ______________________________________
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Level 3 will be mainly workshop-style material and minimal lecture-format material.
Patient Care Workshop
Examination techniques will be reviewed with specific attention to patient instructions, testing procedures (including proper working distances and lighting) and the correct way to record findings. Examples of topics include binocularity and perception testing, keratometry/autokeratometry, corneal topography, autorefraction, and visual field testing.
Contact Lenses Workshop
Part 1 of the contact lens workshop will include lens placement and removal of soft and GP lenses. Part 2 Will focus on inspection and verification of power, base curve, overall diameter, optic zone diameter and surface quality of GP lenses. Lens evaluation on the eye may be included depending upon the needs and abilities of the class.
Ophthalmic Dispensing and Lenses Workshop
In this segment dispensing and verification skills are practiced and demonstrated. Examples include inserting lenses and standard aligning of the completed spectacles, adjusting metal frames and nosepads to individual wearers, fitting of progressive and segmented multifocals, and common repairs such as nylon cord frame re-stringing. Participants will measure lenses for power and prism, and verify compliance with ANSI Standards.
Ophthalmic Lenses 3
Part 1: Safety and Recreational Eyewear
An eye care practice cannot afford to make mistakes regarding eye safety. Part 1 will cover FDA Requirements, ANSI Z87 Standards for Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection, and eye protection in sports activities.
Part 2: Absorptive and Coated Lenses
A large number of patient questions concern coated and absorptive lenses. In Part 2 we will cover current aspects of anti-reflection and other coatings as well as UV-blocking, photochromic, polarizing and glare control lenses.
Part 3: Aspherics, Atorics, and Specialty Progressives
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Testing_____
________________________________________
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Following
the completion of each lecture, students may choose to be tested
on that subject area at the end of that day or wait and take
the test at another time and site. This allows those who wish
to study the course materials more time to do so before sitting
for the exam. Students must successfully complete all tests
before receiving their certificate for that level. Students
may take tests in all subject areas at one time, or tests can
be taken individually when the student feels ready.
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Vouchers
____________________________________________
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When
the full package is purchased (savings of $75) vouchers for
each class and test are given and can be used at any future
OPAT program within two years of purchase. Vouchers are owned
by the purchaser and any unused portion can be transferred to
another participant.
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Review______
________________________________________
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Students
who have not passed a test in a given course area may retake
that course and test at no charge (one time) at any location.
Students must register in advance to attend any course or test,
providing proof (returned test notice) when registering.
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