COURSE OUTLINE

COURSE NAME: Ophthalmic Assistant

COURSE CODE: OPSC750

COURSE DESCRIPTION
A six-month, computer-based, introductory level course which is ideal for assistants already working in the office of an
ophthalmologist or for those looking to become employed in the optical industry.

Course Hours: 100.00

LEARNING OUTCOMES

OUTCOME Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to

1 Compile a patient history.

The following concepts, skills, and issues are used to support this Outcome:
• patient ocular and medical history
• family history and social history
• medications
• confidentiality
• triage- urgent and emergency cases
• medical terminology

2 Describe vision and pupil assessment.

The following concepts, skills, and issues are used to support this Outcome:
• distance and near visual acuity
• optotypes
• pinhole
• contract sensitivy, glare testing and potential acuity
• direct and consensual pupil responses
• pupillary defects

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 3 Describe ocular anatomy, physiology and motility.

The following concepts, skills, and issues are used to support this Outcome:
• eyelids, tear film and lacrimal system
• cornea, sclera and their functions
• anterior chamber
• posterior chamber, ciliary body and crystalline lens
• extra-ocular muscles and cranial nerves
• primary and cardinal positions of gaze
• tropias and phorias
• cover and cross-cover testing
• Hirschberg and Krimsy tests

4 Describe ophthalmic patient services and education.

The following concepts, skills, and issues are used to support this Outcome:
• SOAP (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan)
• patient education
• surgery consent and instruction
• systemic and ocular diseases
• in-office procedures
• eye dressings
• vital signs
• CPR

5 Describe procedures for ophthalmic assessments.

The following concepts, skills, and issues are used to support this Outcome:
• Amsler Grid
• confrontation fields
• automated perimetry
• corneal topography
• external photography
• slit lamp and anterior segment photography
• fundus photography
• diagnostic and standard A-Scan
• scanning laser tests for glaucoma and retina

6 Explain keratometry, lensometry and contact lenses.

The following concepts, skills, and issues are used to support this Outcome:
• corneal curvature
• neutralize spectacles
• measure contact lenses
• patient instruction for contact lenses
• fitting contact lenses

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 7 Explain equipment maintenance and supplemental skills.

The following concepts, skills, and issues are used to support this Outcome:
• tonometer, tear tests, color vision testing
• ophthalmic lenses, instruments and equipment repair
• intraocular lens power calculation, anterior chamber depth, pachymetry
• infectious diseases and methods of microbial control
• special needs patients
• children

8 Identify types and properties of various lenses and frames.

The following concepts, skills, and issues are used to support this Outcome:
• automated refractometry
• manifest and cycloplegic refractometry
• frame materials, parts and construction
• low vision

9 Explain medications to patients.

The following concepts, skills, and issues are used to support this Outcome:
• office antisepsis, universal precautions
• ocular medications
• educate patients on medications
• drug reactions

10 Explain surgical procedures.

The following concepts, skills, and issues are used to support this Outcome:
• instrument preparation
• refraction surgery
• aseptic technique
• non-refractive laser therapy
• intravitreal injections
• surgical site identification

STUDENT EVALUATION

OUTCOME ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION MARK DISTRIBUTION

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
Quizzes 30%
8, 9 and 10

1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 Module assessment 30%

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
Summative assessment 40%
8, 9 and 10

TOTAL 100%

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 COURSE COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS
A minimum grade of 63% (standard C letter grade)

REQUIRED LEARNING RESOURCES

Ledford, J. K., and Lens, A. (2018) Principles and Practice in Ophthalmic Assisting: A Comprehensive Textbook (1st ed.) Slack
Incorporated

ISBN: 9781617119330

STUDENT EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES

Students require access to a computer and the internet.

DELIVERY METHOD
This course will be taught using a variety of delivery methods which may include face-to-face, online, or blended teaching
platforms. Activities such as collaborative exercises/assignments, seminars, labs, discussion, audio/visual presentations, case
studies, and work-integrated learning may be used to support learning.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY
Enrolment at NAIT assumes that the student will become a responsible citizen of the Institute. As such, each student will display
a positive work ethic, assist in the preservation of Institute property, and assume responsibility for his/her education by
researching academic requirements and policies; demonstrating courtesy and respect toward others; and respecting expectations
concerning attendance, assignments, deadlines, and appointments.

EQUITY STATEMENT
NAIT is committed to providing an environment of equality and respect for all people within the learning community, and to
educating faculty, staff, and students in developing inclusive teaching and learning contexts that are welcoming to all.

Leadership Review Date: October 31, 2019

Curriculum Committee Review Date: November 15, 2019
Effective Date: October 01, 2019

Changes to This Course Outline: Every effort has been made to ensure that information in this course outline is accurate at the time of publication. The Institute
reserves the right to change courses if it becomes necessary so that course content remains relevant. In such cases, the instructor will give the students clear and
timely notice of the changes.
All Rights Reserved: No part of this course outline may be reproduced in any form or resold without written permission from NAIT. Copyright 2019.

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