Florida Department of Education
Curriculum Framework 

Program Title:	Ophthalmic Technician
Career Cluster:	Health Science

AS	
CIP Number	1351180301	
Program Type	College Credit	
Program Length	72 credit hours	
CTSO	HOSA	
SOC Codes (all applicable) 	Please see the CIP to SOC Crosswalk located at the link below.                            .	
CTE Program Resources 	http://www.fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/career-tech-edu/program-resources.stml 	

Purpose

This program offers a sequence of courses that provides coherent and rigorous content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare for further education and careers in the Health Science career cluster; provides technical skill proficiency, and includes competency-based applied learning that contributes to the academic knowledge, higher-order reasoning and problem-solving skills, work attitudes, general employability skills, technical skills, and occupation-specific skills, and knowledge of all aspects of Health Science career cluster. 

The purpose of this program is to prepare students for employment as ophthalmic technicians, optical goods workers (Health Technologists and Technicians) or provide supplemental training for persons previously or presently employed in this occupation.

The content includes but is not limited to (1) to perform specified ophthalmologic tests and procedures with skill, (2) understand and practice the art of ophthalmologic assisting, thereby providing the patient with medical care of the highest quality and accuracy, (3) to become members of the health care team who contribute to the physical and psychological comfort of the patient, (4) to provide a system of quality assurance for both equipment and treatment delivery, (5) and to understand the importance of maintaining membership in the professional organizations and keeping abreast of the changes in the field of ophthalmology.

Additional Information relevant to this Career and Technical Education (CTE) program is provided at the end of this document.

Program Structure

This program is a planned sequence of instruction consisting of 72 credit hours.

Standards

After successfully completing this program, the student will be able to perform the following:

01.0	Discuss the ophthalmic practice and personnel.
02.0	Discuss legal and ethical issues in the ophthalmic practice. 
03.0	Describe the basic functions of the human body systems.
04.0	Discuss the anatomy and physiology of the human eye.
05.0	Describe the clinical findings of common ocular pathology.
06.0	Demonstrate knowledge of geometric and physiologic optics.
07.0	Demonstrate clinical knowledge of ocular and systemic medications.
08.0	Demonstrate the taking of an ocular and medical history.
09.0	Demonstrate basic ophthalmic clinical skills.
10.0	Demonstrate intermediate ophthalmic clinical skills.  
11.0	Demonstrate knowledge of ophthalmic surgical procedures. 
12.0	Discuss patient services provided or by the ophthalmic technician.
13.0	Demonstrate office safety and maintenance.  
14.0	Demonstrate knowledge of patient vital signs and reactions.  
15.0	Demonstrate advanced clinical skills. 

Florida Department of Education
Student Performance Standards

Program Title:	Ophthalmic Technician
CIP Number:		1351180301 
Program Length:	72 credit hours	

At the completion of this program, the student will be able to:	
01.0	Discuss the ophthalmic practice and personnel.  The student will be able to:	
01.01	List the professionals who work in the eye care industry.	
01.02	Differentiate between licensure and certification of personnel.	
01.03	Identify the general responsibilities of ophthalmic technical personnel, the ophthalmic scribe and the administrative staff.	
01.04	Define the levels of training and certification of the ophthalmic medical professional.	
01.05	Define the scope of practice of the ophthalmic technician.	
02.0	Discuss legal and ethical issues in the ophthalmic practice. The student will be able to:	
02.01	Identify methods of protection of personal health information for the patient.	
02.02	Summarize the Health Information Portability Accountability Act as it pertains to care of the patient in the ophthalmic clinic.	
02.03	Discuss ethical and legal standards of medical care.	
02.04	Identify the components of a malpractice case, and methods employed to prevent negligence in the clinical setting. 	
02.05	Discuss physician and technician malpractice insurance.	
02.06	Describe the process of informed consent.	
03.0	Describe the basic functions of the human body systems.  The student will be able to:	
03.01	Discuss the components and functions of the respiratory and cardiovascular system.	
03.02	Describe the anatomy and physiology of the endocrine and reproductive systems.	
03.03	Identify the components of the integumentary and digestive systems.	
03.04	Describe the structure and function of the musculoskeletal system.	
03.05	Discuss the components and functions of the nervous system.	
04.0	Discuss the anatomy and physiology of the human eye.  The student will be able to:	
04.01	Identify the bones and soft tissues of the orbit.	
04.02	List the components of the anterior and posterior segments of the eye.	
04.03	Discuss the anatomy of the eyelids and lacrimal system.	
04.04	Describe the anatomy and physiology of the cornea and lens.	
04.05	List the primary functions of the fibrous, vascular and sensory tunics of the eye.	
04.06	Discuss the origins and functions of the extraocular muscles.	
04.07	Describe ocular development during embryologic and fetal stages of gestation.	
04.08	Identify the cranial nerves associated with movement and sensation of the ocular structures.	
04.09	Describe the visual and pupillary pathways.	
04.10	Discuss the pupillary light reflex.	
04.11	Describe the process of accommodation.	
05.0	Describe the clinical findings of common ocular pathology.  The student will be able to:	
05.01	Discuss the principles of pathology.	
05.02	Discuss basic microbiology as it applies to the ocular structures.	
05.03	Differentiate between signs and symptoms of the ophthalmic patient.	
05.04	Differentiate between inflammation and infection.	
05.05	Identify disorders of the orbit.	
05.06	Identify benign and malignant lesions of the eyelids.	
05.07	List eyelid disorders due to malposition.	
05.08	Discuss disorders of the lacrimal system.	
05.09	Identify disorders of the conjunctiva and sclera.	
05.10	Describe abnormal findings of the cornea.	
05.11	Discuss intraocular inflammation of the iris and ciliary body.	
05.12	Describe cataractous changes in the crystalline lens.	
05.13	Discuss the ocular and visual changes associated with glaucoma.	
05.14	List the signs and symptoms related to macular disease.	
05.15	Discuss the retinal vascular changes associated with diabetes and cardiovascular disease.	
06.0	Demonstrate knowledge of geometric and physiologic optics.  The student will be able to:	
06.01	Discuss the visible spectrum and theories of visible light.	
06.02	Describe the processes of reflection, refraction and absorption of visible light.	
06.03	Discuss the index of refraction of different media.	
06.04	Describe the process of refraction through a prism and a lens.	
06.05	Identify the principle focal point and refraction of light rays through a plus or minus spherical lens.	
06.06	Calculate the focal length and dioptric power of a lens.	
06.07	Identify the principle focal lines and Conoid of Sturm of a spherocylinder lens.	
06.08	Discuss human refractive errors.	
06.09	Differentiate between simple, compound and mixed forms of astigmatism.	
06.10	Identify lenses used in the correction of refractive errors.	
06.11	Transpose prescriptions between plus and minus cylinder format.	
06.12	Calculate a spherical equivalent power of a spherocylinder lens.	
07.0	Demonstrate clinical knowledge of ocular and systemic medications.  The student will be able to:	
07.01	Describe methods of delivery of ophthalmic and systemic medications.	
07.02	Use accepted terminology and abbreviations related to pharmacology.	
07.03	List ophthalmic medications used in the general ophthalmic examination.	
07.04	Classify ophthalmic topical medications by the bottle top colors.	
07.05	List topical medications used in the treatment of glaucoma.	
07.06	Instill ophthalmic drops and ointments using proper technique.	
07.07	Identify potential allergic reactions and side effects of topical ophthalmic medications.	
07.08	Describe the mechanism of action of anti-VEGF medications used in the treatment of macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.	
07.09	Match common systemic disease processes with the medications used in the treatment of these diseases.	
07.10	List potential allergic reactions and ocular side effects of systemic medications.	
08.0	Demonstrate the taking of an ocular and medical history.  The student will be able to:	
08.01	Communicate effectively in written and oral communication.	
08.02	Document information in the written or electronic medical record using appropriate medical terminology and accepted abbreviations.	
08.03	Preserve patient confidentiality using HIPAA guidelines.	
08.04	Maintain applicable ethical and legal standards.	
08.05	Elicit the patient’s chief complaint and history of present illness.	
08.06	Identify pertinent ocular and systemic history that could affect the patient’s ocular health.	
08.07	Record ocular and systemic medicines.	
08.08	Obtain pertinent family history of ocular and systemic disease.	
08.09	Elicit the social history as it pertains to the ocular examination.	
08.10	Record patient allergies and allergic reactions to ocular and systemic medicines, environmental substances and seasonal allergens.	
09.0	Demonstrate basic ophthalmic clinical skills.  The student will be able to:	
09.01	Test and record the patient’s level of visual acuity at distance and at near.	
09.02	Test and record the visual acuity level using a pinhole.	
09.03	Select non-traditional methods of visual acuity assessment for non-verbal, illiterate or non-English speaking patients.	
09.04	Identify methods of testing visual acuity on physically disabled patients or patients with nystagmus.	
09.05	Neutralize the patient’s current spectacle correction by manual or automated lensometry.	
09.06	Measure and record the corneal surface refractive power by manual or automated keratometry.	
09.07	Assess the patient’s color vision using Ishihara plates, Farnsworth D-15, or other color tests. 	
09.08	Test and record the central visual field using an Amsler grid.	
09.09	Test and record the patient’s visual field using confrontation testing.	
09.10	Perform formal visual field assessment using automated perimetry.	
09.11	Identify patient reliability errors and technician errors on the automated perimetry printout.	
09.12	Determine the binocular status of the patient using fusion and stereopsis testing.	
09.13	Assess the extraocular motility by version and duction testing.	
09.14	Qualify strabismic deviations by position.	
09.15	Differentiate between phoric and tropic deviations.  	
09.16	Identify and measure extraocular muscle imbalances using prism and alternate cover or Maddox rod and prism testing.	
09.17	Estimate the ocular muscle deviation by corneal reflex positions using the Hirschberg or Krimsky methods. 	
09.18	Assess and record the direct and consensual pupillary reactions to light and accommodation.	
09.19	Perform swinging flashlight test and identify afferent pupillary defects. 	
09.20	Examine the ocular adnexa and record the findings. 	
09.21	Instill topical anesthetic and dilating drops.	
09.22	Perform and record intraocular pressure measurements using Goldman applanation, Tonopen, or other methods of tonometry.	
10.0	Demonstrate intermediate ophthalmic clinical skills.   The student will be able to:	
10.01	Perform retinoscopy to estimate the patient’s refractive error.	
10.02	Demonstrate refractometry techniques to obtain the best corrected visual acuity.	
10.03	Perform manifest and cycloplegic refractometry.	
10.04	Identify ground-in or induced prism using manual or automated lensometry.	
10.05	Determine add power required for near or intermediate tasks.	
10.06	Assess the anterior segment using the slit lamp biomicroscope.	
10.07	Perform axial length measurements using ultrasound and optical instruments.	
10.08	Calculate the intraocular lens power range in the pre-operative cataract evaluation.	
10.09	Perform optical imaging of the retina and optic nerve.	
10.10	Use digital or film cameras to obtain external, anterior segment or fundus images.	
10.11	Assist in fluorescein and ICG angiography.	
10.12	Identify phases of fluorescein angiography.	
10.13	Measure the corneal thickness by pachymetry.	
10.14	Map the corneal surfaces by corneal topography.	
10.15	 Match diagnostic procedures used in evaluation and diagnosis with specific ocular disorders.	
10.16	Identify normal and abnormal findings in ophthalmic diagnostic testing printouts.	
10.17	Perform basic soft and rigid contact lens fitting.	
10.18	Identify pathology related to contact lens wear.	
10.19	Describe methods of patient education related to the care, wearing schedule and insertion/removal of contact lenses.  	
11.0	Demonstrate knowledge of ophthalmic surgical procedures.  The student will be able to:	
11.01	Identify minor surgery procedures performed in the ophthalmic clinical setting.	
11.02	Describe surgical procedures commonly performed on the orbits, lacrimal system and eyelids.	
11.03	List procedures performed for correction of strabismus.	
11.04	Identify and describe refractive surgical procedures.	
11.05	Differentiate between full thickness and lamellar corneal transplantation.	
11.06	Discuss the methods of cataract extraction.	
11.07	Classify intraocular lens implants used after cataract extraction.	
11.08	Identify laser and surgical procedures performed as treatment for glaucoma.	
11.09	Discuss methods of removing the vitreous.	
11.10	Describe retinal and macular surgical procedures.	
11.11	Apply proper sterile technique in the minor procedure or surgical suite.	
11.12	Describe proper assisting techniques in minor procedure or surgical cases.  	
12.0	Discuss patient services provided or by the ophthalmic technician.  The student will be able to:	
12.01	Demonstrate proper technique of placing a pressure or non-pressure eye patch.	
12.02	Demonstrate patient education of ocular and systemic disease processes.	
12.03	Inform the patient of required testing, the interpreted test results, and treatment options for ophthalmic disease processes.	
12.04	Counsel the patients on proper use of medications.	
12.05	Instill ocular medications using proper technique.	
12.06	Discuss triage procedures for ocular emergencies.	
12.07	Identify resources available for the patient with subnormal vision.	
12.08	Instruct patient is the use of optical and non-optical low vision devices.	
12.09	Instruct the patient on the insertion, removal and care of contact lenses.	
13.0	Demonstrate office safety and maintenance.   The student will be able to:	
13.01	Identify environmental and electrical safety procedures in the clinical practice.	
13.02	Replace instrument bulbs and fuses employing proper technique and safety standards.	
13.03	Discuss methods of instrument cleaning and maintenance.	
13.04	Maintain clinical supply inventory.	
13.05	Discuss proper disposal of hazardous and bio-medical waste. 	
13.06	Describe the principles of infection control and standard universal precautions.	
13.07	Maintain aseptic technique in the clinical and surgical setting.	
13.08	Identify potential safety hazards in the physical space.	
14.0	Demonstrate knowledge of patient vital signs and reactions.  The student will be able to:	
14.01	Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation in a clinical setting.	
14.02	Measure and record blood pressure.	
14.03	Measure and record patient temperature.	
14.04	Assess patient respiration.	
14.05	Recognize patient allergic response in the clinical setting.	
15.0	Demonstrate advanced clinical skills.  The student will be able to:	
15.01	Assess visual ability in low vision patients.	
15.02	Calculate magnification needed for optical aids used in low vision.	
15.03	Identify optical low vision aids. 	
15.04	Identify paralytic extraocular muscle using the three-step test.	
15.05	Assess and record head and posture abnormalities.	
15.06	Perform fusional amplitudes.	
15.07	Demonstrate use of direct ophthalmoscopy.	
15.08	Perform advanced ocular imaging procedures.	
15.09	Determine prism addition in spectacle correction.	
15.10	Calculate induced prism using Prentice’s formula.	
15.11	Perform specialty contact lens fitting.	
15.12	Perform ophthalmic electrophysiology testing.	
15.13	Demonstrate clinical supervision skills.	
15.14	Demonstrate clinical training techniques. 	

Additional Information

Laboratory Activities

Laboratory investigations that include scientific inquiry, research, measurement, problem solving, emerging technologies, tools and equipment, as well as, experimental, quality, and safety procedures are an integral part of this career and technical program/course. Laboratory investigations benefit all students by developing an understanding of the complexity and ambiguity of empirical work, as well as the skills required to manage, operate, calibrate and troubleshoot equipment/tools used to make observations. Students understand measurement error; and have the skills to aggregate, interpret, and present the resulting data. Equipment and supplies should be provided to enhance hands-on experiences for students.

Clinical education has been established for students in this program to permit accurate assessment of the knowledge, skills, and abilities of students in the clinical component of the program.  After completion of the prerequisite practice of ophthalmic assisting procedures, students indicate to the faculty their readiness for evaluation of competence in a specific competency category/procedure.

Multiple affiliates are utilized for the clinical activities which provide equitable opportunities for the student to achieve the program clinical objectives.  The resulting clinical rotations provide students with the technical skills for the ophthalmic medical technician.

Special Notes

The program is designed to provide the medical community of ophthalmology with workers who, under the supervision of an ophthalmologist, aid in the treatment of eye conditions and diseases.  The curriculum provides students an opportunity to develop technical and social skills through experiences in the clinic, classroom, and laboratory.

The Health Careers Core must be taken by all students first (secondary, postsecondary adult and postsecondary vocational) planning to complete any Health Occupations program.  Once successfully completed, the core does not need to be repeated at any instructional level.

General Education Course Requirements for AS and AAS Degrees

State Board of Education Rule 6A-14.030(4), F.A.C., identifies 15 credit hours as the minimum amount of general education coursework required in the Associate of Science (AS) degree and the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree.  In addition, Rule 6A-14.0303, F.A.C., implements s. 1007.25, F.S., and requires students entering a technical education degree program in the 2022-2023 academic year, and thereafter, to complete at least one identified core course in each subject area as part of the general education course requirements (15 credit hours total) before a degree is awarded) The core subject areas include: 
•	Communication. 
•	Humanities.
•	Mathematics. 
•	Natural Sciences.
•	Social Sciences.

Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO)

HOSA: Future Health Professionals is the co-curricular career and technical student organization providing leadership training and reinforcing specific career and technical skills. Career and Technical Student Organizations provide activities for students as an integral part of the instruction offered. 

Accommodations

Federal and state legislation requires the provision of accommodations for students with disabilities to meet individual needs and ensure equal access. Postsecondary students with disabilities must self-identify, present documentation, request accommodations if needed, and develop a plan with their counselor and/or instructors. Accommodations received in postsecondary education may differ from those received in secondary education. Accommodations change the way the student is instructed. Students with disabilities may need accommodations in such areas as instructional methods and materials, assignments and assessments, time demands and schedules, learning environment, assistive technology and special communication systems. Documentation of the accommodations requested and provided should be maintained in a confidential file.