Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Upon completion of the course students should be able to:

1. Perform advanced ophthalmic diagnostic procedures in the clinical setting.
2. Describe electrophysiology tests in the clinical setting.
3. Prepare and demonstrate knowledge needed to take the national certification examination.

The instructor will outline the methods used to evaluate student progress and the criteria for assigning a grade at the beginning of the course. Assessment methods may include written and practical examination and laboratory modules. Evaluation of problem solving skills, team work, attendance, laboratory performance and communication skills may also be included. Extra credit will not be available. All laboratory exercises must be completed satisfactorily to achieve a passing grade. Laboratory modules must be turned in on time. Three late laboratory assignments will result in the lowering of the grade by one letter.

ADVANCED DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES

• Demonstrate proper examination techniques using a direct ophthalmoscope.
• Perform a contrast sensitivity test.
• Perform and score a 100-Hue test.
• Demonstrate proper use of potential acuity meters.
• Describe glaucoma provocative tests ie. dark room adaptation
• Electrooculography (EOG/E.O.G.), Electroretinography, VER explain and define diagnoses which warrant.
• Visual acuity:  Optotype, special situations, ETDRS, EVA
• Pupil assessment

OCULAR MOTILITY

• Bielschowsky Head Tilt test
• Maddox Rod
• Risley Rotary Prism

• Discuss nystagmus and its consequences.

• Explain the use/effectiveness of convergence training.

        MICROBIOLOGY

• Identify terms and definitions of microbiology.
• Describe the types of bacteria commonly seen in ophthalmic practice.
• Describe the ocular viruses.
• State the methods for collecting cultures and inoculation techniques.
• List the steps required to obtain a conjunctival culture.
• List the steps required to obtain a lash margin culture.
• List the steps required to obtain a corneal/conjunctival scraping.

RETINOSCOPY/REFRACTOMETRY

•  Minus cylinder retinoscopy / refractometry

CERTIFICATION REVIEW

• Review of all content covered in prior course work.  
• Review all the content areas of the JCAHPO Certified Ophthalmic Technician written test.
• Review the JCAHPO Learning Systems course that is the practical skill evaluation for the Certified Ophthalmic Technician test.