Ophthalmic Technician
/prod01/cdn-pxl-elginedu-prod/media/elginedu/academics/departments/ophthalmic-tech-hero.png)
New Eye Care Assistant Certificate
A new basic vocational certificate program for Eye Care Assistant will launch in Fall 2026. Students interested in the program are encouraged to express their interest to their academic advisor and start taking prerequisites.
Department: Ophthalmic Technician
Program Type: Health Professions
Planning to Transfer? Learn more about the transfer process including the importance of choosing a major and transfer school.
Overview
Ophthalmology is a rapidly growing field that offers exciting opportunities for skilled, responsible technicians and assistants. As an ophthalmic technician or eye care assistant, you play a vital role in helping ophthalmologists care for and treat patients’ eyes and vision. You may conduct preliminary eye exams, assess eye muscle movement, and collect medical histories. You might also administer eye medications and assist ophthalmologists during surgical procedures.
You can work in various settings, including private practices, medical centers, hospitals, and university clinics. In each environment, you collaborate closely with ophthalmologists to provide medical and surgical eye care for patients of all ages.
Prepare for Immediate Employment
At ECC, you can choose between two program options: the Eye Care Certificate Program or the Ophthalmic Technician Degree Program. Employment opportunities for Ophthalmic Medical Technicians are expected to grow by 20% from 2024 to 2034, which is roughly as fast as the average for all occupations. You can view more information about occupational employment and wages on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website.
| Program | Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Eye Care Certificate |
|
| Ophthalmic Technician Degree |
|
| For more information, contact the Ophthalmic Technician Program at 847-214-7342 or email eyetechinfo@elgin.edu | |
Plan of Study and Course Descriptions
Review the ECC catalog for details about the ophthalmic technician plan of study and course descriptions.
Associate of Applied Science
Basic Vocational Certificate
- Eye Care Assistant
Ophthalmic Technician Information Session
Ophthalmic technicians and assistants assist ophthalmologists in caring for patients' eyes and eyesight. Learn how ECC’s program will prepare you to work in this rapidly expanding field.
Program Courses
The curriculum includes foundational coursework in ophthalmic technology, clinical optics, pharmacology, and hands-on clinical experience. Courses are designed to develop the knowledge and skills necessary for certification and professional practice. View our courses here.
Special Requirements: Students must complete a criminal background check, a drug test, a physical exam, immunity lab tests, a TB test, health insurance verification, uniform procurement, submit a social security card, and obtain Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR certification.
What is the difference between an ophthalmic technician and an eye care assistant?
The eye care assistant certificate is a one-year program that allows you to quickly gain skills and enter the workforce. Eye care assistant graduates can sit for the national certification exam for the Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA), administered by IJCAHPO.
Students earning the ophthalmic technician Associate of Applied Science degree will continue their career path after completing the eye care assistant prerequisite courses and gain skills for intermediate-level positions as ophthalmology assistants under the supervision of licensed eye care professionals. Ophthalmic technician graduates can sit for the national certification exam for the Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT), administered by IJCAHPO.
How long does it take to become an ophthalmic technician or eye care assistant?
The eye care assistant program is a one-year basic vocational certificate. Students completing this certificate can either enter the workforce right away or continue their studies for a second year to complete their ophthalmic technician degree.
The ophthalmic technician program is a two-year Associate of Applied Science degree.
Both the certification and degree include clinical experiences and career support to prepare you for certification and employment.
What makes ECC’s Ophthalmic Technician program unique?
ECC offers a new, state-of-the-art lab with modern equipment and clinical spaces overseen by a credentialed ophthalmologist. Graduates are prepared to take either the Certified Ophthalmic Technician Assistant (COA) exam or Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) exam.
What does an eye care assistant do?
They assist ophthalmologists with eye exams, basic diagnostic testing, patient education, and equipment maintenance.
What does an ophthalmic technician do?
They assist ophthalmologists with eye exams, perform more advanced diagnostic testing, prepare and counsel patients before surgery, and assist with ophthalmic medical procedures.
What types of workplaces hire eyecare assistants or ophthalmic technicians?
Graduates can work in private practices, clinics, or medical centers.
Is certification required to work as an eye care assistant or ophthalmic technician?
Certification isn’t always required, but it is highly recommended and often preferred by employers. ECC prepares students for either the JCAHPO Certified Ophthalmic Technician Assistant (COA) exam or the JCAHPO Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) exam.
Recorded Information Sessions
/prod01/cdn-pxl-elginedu-prod/media/elginedu/about-ecc/visiting-campus/events-amp-info-sessions/eTalent-GI-1159999234-800X500.jpg)
Learn about new programs and hear from faculty and staff to get an idea of what Elgin Community College's programs are like at a time that fits your schedule.
Contact
Admissions & Recruitment
Building B, Room B110
847-214-7385
Fax: 847-608-5458
admissions@elgin.edu
Hours
Monday through Thursday: 8 am to 7 pm
Fridays: 8 am to 4 pm
*Bilingual Admissions Coordinator: 847-214-7689
Contact
Ophthalmic Technician Program
Building A, Room A362
847-214-7342
eyetechinfo@elgin.edu