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.
For more information about the Optometric/Ophthalmic Technician program, please visit our website at www.dmacc.edu/programs/optech.
Location: Ankeny
Students start Fall semester.
Program Entry Requirements
- Complete an application for admission.
- Attend any required information/registration session.
- Satisfy the required assessment by taking the reading and English COMPASS test or equivalent.
- Obtain a minimum COMPASS Pre-algebra score of 24 or ACT Math score of 14.
- Obtain a score of at least 35 NWPM with 5 errors or fewer on the typing/word processing skill test.
- Completion of one year of high school biology with a “C” or better is strongly recommended.
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.
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.
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