Eye Technician, 1 year certificate
Why choose the Eye Technician program at С»Æ贫ý?
Salary
Graduates of our program report an average starting range of $24 to $26 per hour, which is projected to increase with experience. Experienced technicians may earn as much as $36 per hour. The Oregon Employment Department reports that the Portland area average annual salary is $55,499.
The Eye Technician (formerly known as Ophthalmic Medical Technology) program is the only technician-level training program in the Pacific Northwest! The program is designed for individuals passionate about making a difference in patients’ lives while working alongside ophthalmologists (medical eye doctors and surgeons) and other eye care professionals. This career is in high demand with many employment opportunities. The Oregon Employment Department forecasts that Portland area job openings for ophthalmic medical technicians will grow 20.8% by 2036.
Our program provides:
- Classes that combine online lectures and in-person labs for hands-on learning of clinical skills.
- Hands-on clinical practice in local area hospitals and ophthalmology offices such as OHSU – Casey Eye Institute, Portland Veterans’ Affairs, Legacy Devers Eye Institute, Kaiser Permanente, EyeHealth Northwest, Retina Northwest, The Portland Clinic, The Eye Group Associates, Vancouver Eye Care, Vancouver Clinic, and PeaceHealth Medical Eye Group.
- Small cohort sizes of 20–24 students for a student-focused learning environment.
- Preparation for the internationally recognized Certified Ophthalmic Technician examination.
The program teaches students to safely and accurately perform ophthalmic tests while working in a team environment. Graduates from the program can explore various career paths in hospitals, private clinics, and research institutes, working in general ophthalmology or in specialties such as pediatrics, LASIK, cornea, retina, glaucoma, and oculoplastics.
Accreditation
The Eye Technician program is the only program of its kind on the West Coast at the intermediate training certified ophthalmic technician level. We are accredited by the , 2025 Woodland Dr., St. Paul, MN 55125, United States of America; Phone: 651-731-7242.
Award information
| Award | Length (attending full-time) | Financial aid eligible | Currently accepting students? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate: Eye Technician | 1 year | Limited entry, see how to apply to One-Year Certificate: Eye Technician |
What else does С»Æ贫ý offer?
Learn more about Eye Technician and all 2 awards available »
Locations
CascadeWhat will you learn?
More information
- Program overview (includes frequently asked questions and program costs)
- Essential functions of working in this field
- С»Æ贫ý News: Ophthalmic Medical Technology Program is helping students shape their future careers
- С»Æ贫ý News: Student Linh Thang uses support systems to stay on course for in-demand degree
We help you develop skills and knowledge in a wide variety of ophthalmology areas:
- Optics
- Ocular pharmacology
- Ocular anatomy
- Contact lens fitting
- Surgical assisting
- Instrument maintenance and care
- Refractometry
- Ocular pathology
- Eye examination skills
Courses
Course listing for the 2026-2027 catalog year.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| °¿²Ñ°ÕÌý100 | Introduction to Ophthalmics | 1 |
| °¿²Ñ°ÕÌý150 | Ocular Anatomy and Physiology | 2 |
| °¿²Ñ°ÕÌý151 | Ocular Disease | 2 |
| °¿²Ñ°ÕÌý152 | Ocular Pharmacology | 2 |
| °¿²Ñ°ÕÌý160 | Clinical Optics § | 4 |
| °¿²Ñ°ÕÌý162 | Ophthalmic Office Procedures | 2 |
| °¿²Ñ°ÕÌý164 | Introduction to Clinical Skills | 3 |
| °¿²Ñ°ÕÌý166 | Practicum Prep | 1 |
| °¿²Ñ°ÕÌý168 | Ophthalmic Practicum I § | 3 |
| °¿²Ñ°ÕÌý268 | Ophthalmic Practicum II § | 6 |
| °¿²Ñ°ÕÌý270 | Ocular Motility | 2 |
| °¿²Ñ°ÕÌý272 | Diagnostic Procedures I | 3 |
| °¿²Ñ°ÕÌý274 | Contact Lenses | 2 |
| °¿²Ñ°ÕÌý278 | Ophthalmic Practicum III § | 6 |
| °¿²Ñ°ÕÌý281 | Ophthalmic Imaging | 2 |
| °¿²Ñ°ÕÌý282 | Diagnostic Procedures II | 3 |
| °¿²Ñ°ÕÌý288 | Ophthalmic Practicum IV § | 6 |
| °¿²Ñ°ÕÌý290 | Surgical Assisting | 3 |
| °¿²Ñ°ÕÌý292 | Advanced Diagnostics | 3 |
| °¿²Ñ°ÕÌý294 | COT Exam Prep | 2 |
| Total Credits | 58 | |
- §
Course cannot be substituted for another course.
What will you do?
Eye technicians play a crucial role in supporting ophthalmologists in delivering quality eye care services. Their primary responsibilities involve assisting with eye-related diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Here are some key duties and tasks commonly associated with this role:
- Obtaining patient history and preliminary examinations.
- Conducting diagnostic testing such as visual field testing, tonometry, and more.
- Capturing ophthalmic photography for medical records and diagnostics.
- Assisting with contact lens fitting and instructions.
- Educating patients about treatment options, eye conditions, and proper care.
- Preparing patients for surgery.
- Assisting the ophthalmologist with documentation during exams.
- Ensuring that ophthalmic instruments are properly maintained and sterilized.
- Handling administrative duties such as scheduling appointments, managing patient records, and coordinating care.
- Addressing patient concerns, providing comfort during examinations, and assisting with any mobility issues.
Next steps
Learn how to get into this program.See how to apply
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