Optical Sciences - Ophthalmic Assistant

Our non-credit Ophthalmic Assistant Certificate program offers what you need to work as an ophthalmic assistant in a private ophthalmologist’s or optometrist's office, clinic, or hospital. 

This 6-month program will introduce you to ophthalmic theory, walk you through patient pretest practices, show you ophthalmic equipment, and provide the skills and confidence you will need to offer exceptional customer service.  

To better fit your schedule, this program is offered online. 
Access your course material at your own pace using Brightspace, our online eLearning system, from the comfort of your own home, office, or local coffee shop.  

Quick Facts

• Credential: Certificate of Achievement
• Campus: Main Campus
• Delivery Modes & Times: Varies by class section. See section details for delivery mode and detailed schedule.

Outcomes

Our program is divided into ten parts; each offers a different educational outcome. After each outcome, you must complete an online assessment that will test your understanding of key terms, topics and learning objectives. The outcomes include:

• medical terminology, history-taking and triage

• vision and pupil assessments

• ocular anatomy, physiology, and motility

• ophthalmic patient services and education

• procedures for ophthalmic assessments

• keratometry, lensometry and contact lenses

• tonometry, and equipment maintenance and repair

• refractometry and spectacle skills

• explaining medications to patients

• explaining surgical procedures

Upon successful completion of the program, you will receive a NAIT Continuing Education Certificate recognizing your achievement.

Career Options

Successful completion of this program will prepare you for a career in the eye care profession as an ophthalmic assistant.

Ophthalmologists are medical doctors specially trained to diagnose and treat health issues relating to the eye. In addition to offering vision care, which includes vision testing, ophthalmologists are licensed to practice medicine and surgery. They often specialize in practicing medicine for a specific part of the eye, such as the retina or cornea, as well as eye health areas such as pediatrics, neurology, or disease.

Ophthalmic assistants are responsible for patient pretesting, which often includes visual acuity, tonometry, conducting diagnostic tests and maintaining ophthalmic equipment. They may also be tasked with office administrative duties, such as scheduling, filing, and providing exceptional customer service to ophthalmology patients.

FAQ