Optometric/Ophthalmic Technician Diploma

An optometric/ophthalmic technician works in eye care to provide quality vision care services to patients. Technicians conduct unique eye-testing procedures and implement special patient instruction. Technicians may work in optometry practices; ophthalmology practices or medical clinics; optical dispensaries; optical laboratories; medical and optical equipment businesses; lens, frame or contact lens companies; pharmaceutical companies; research laboratories or in academia.

This program is designed to prepare students with the skills necessary to assist practitioners of optometry, ophthalmology and opticianry to provide a full scope of vision care and prepare them to pass national certification exams.

Criminal background checks will be completed on each student. Criminal convictions or documented history of abuse may delay or prevent students from participating in clinical education experiences. Students unable to participate in clinical education will be unable to complete the Optometric/ Ophthalmic Technician program.

For more information about the Optometric/Ophthalmic Technician program, please visit our website at www.dmacc.edu/programs/optech.

Location: Ankeny

Program Entry Requirements

1. Complete an application for admission.
2. Attend any required information/registration session.
3. Satisfy the required assessment by taking the reading and English COMPASS test or equivalent.
4. Obtain a minimum COMPASS Pre-algebra score of 24 or ACT Math score of 14.
5. Obtain a score of at least 35 NWPM with 5 errors or fewer on the typing/word processing skill test.
6. Completion of one year of high school biology with a “C” or better is strongly recommended.

Students start Fall semester.

Graduation Requirements

To earn an Optometric/Ophthalmic Technician diploma, a student must complete all coursework as prescribed and maintain a 2.0 grade point average. A grade of “C” or better is required in all OPT courses. To remain in the program, a student must maintain a grade of “C” or higher in each required course.

This program is designed to start in the Fall semester. Students who desire to start in other semesters may be accepted, but may not graduate in three semesters due to the sequencing of the coursework. If starting other than Fall, please contact the Optometric/Ophthalmic Technician program chairperson.