The Ophthalmic Clinical Assistant (OCA) is a technically educated eye care assistant who is trained to perform special testing and patient services in the Ophthalmic office. The assistant is a vital member of the health care team functioning under the direct supervision of the doctor. The Ophthalmic Clinical Assistant provides basic patient services and testing, helping the doctor to manage ocular diseases and disorders.
Enrollment - 20 students
Accreditation - The OCA program has initiated the process of applying to the Committee on Accreditation of Ophthalmic Medical Programs.
Schedule - The professional courses begin each Fall semester with classroom lecture and lab. Spring and Summer semesters will also include off campus clinicals. Classes and clinicals are usually scheduled Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00pm.
Faculty - The OCA faculty includes a program coordinator and adjunct instructors.
Physical Demands - An Ophthalmic Clinical Assistant may need to be able to perform the following in day to day work situations (not all inclusive):
- Remain continuously on task for several hours while standing, sitting, moving and/or bending.
- Gross and fine motor activities to provide safe and effective patient care.
Clinic - There may be exposure to patients with infectious diseases, blood, and body fluids during clinical rotations. The OCA curriculum requires that each student participate in off campus clinical rotations during the Spring and Summer semesters. The OCA program will affiliate with numerous facilities in and around the Charleston area. Student assignments will be made by the OCA faculty. Due to the limited availability of sites, there is no guarantee that a given student will be placed in the location of his/her choice for clinic. Each student must sign a Memorandum of Understanding in reference to this policy prior to beginning the program. The student will be financially responsible for meals and transportation during these assignments.
CPR Certification - All students must have CPR certification prior to clinical rotations. Students are responsibe for making the necessary arrangements. Courses are offered through the College (AHS 106), area hospitals, the American Heart Association (BLS for the Healthcare Provider) or the American Red Cross (CPR for the Professional Rescuer).
Certification - Students who successfully complete the Ophthalmic Clinical Assistant Program will be eligible to take the computer-based Ophthalmic Assistant Examination administered by the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO).
Salary - Starting salaries for new Ophthalmic Clinical Assistants varies widely based upon geographic location and practice settings (university, private practice,or retail).The current national average is approximately $17,000 to $26,000 annually.
Career Opportunities - The availability of OCA positions is very good at the local and national levels in a variety of settings including university departments of Ophthamology, private practice offices, and retail settings.
Ophthalmic Clinical Assistant Faculty
Krissa Lyse B. Drentlaw, COT, BS-VTE
Program Coordinator
Office Location: Palmer Campus, Room 210D
Phone Number: (843) 722-5507
Email Address: krissa.drentlaw@tridenttech.edu
