MVCTC Offering New Adult Education Optometric Technician Program

The Miami Valley Career Technology Center (MVCTC) Adult Education division is now offering an Optometric Technician Program. This new adult education-evening program is the only of its kind in the state of Ohio, and provides adult students with the skills necessary to assist the optometrist/ eye doctor. The Optometric Technician’s duties include, assisting with testing patients’ vision, providing frame styling services, and instructing patients in contact lens handling. They administer vision therapy programs prescribed by the optometrist. Adult students successfully completing this program will earn a certificate.

At the fall meeting, the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE), American Optometric Association (AOA), granted the classification of “Accredited” to the Adult Education Optometric Technician program at MVCTC. According to the AOA web site, MVCTC is the only accredited program in the state of OH and one of six accredited programs in the nation. Upon successful completion, students will be eligible to take the Certified Paraoptometric Technician exam (CPOT).

The Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO) announced in February 2009, that employment of ophthalmic assistants and technicians remains one of the leading industries for job growth. The organization cited data from the U.S. Department of Labor that indicates employment of medical assistants and technicians in fields such as ophthalmology ranks third on the list of the 30 fastest growing occupations in the U.S.

MVCTC is grateful for all the support that the Eye Care Community has given the program in the way of clinical affiliations and as resources on their advisory committee. The current class is in their last quarter completing 320 hours of clinical experience with facility staff at local Optometrist and Ophthalmologist offices. On December 17, 2010, MVCTC will graduate its first class of optometric technician students. The students are currently receiving multiple offers while out in their clinical experiences for employment after graduation.

For more information about the MVCTC Adult Education Optometric Technician Program, please visit http://ae.mvctc.com// or call 800-716-7161.

MVCTC Adult Education Winter Quarter classes start in January 2011. Do not miss this opportunity to receive the training you need for the job you want. For opportunities beyond high school…think MVCTC Adult Education.