Ophthalmic Technician Program earns first initial accreditation in Michigan

The Commission on Accreditation of Ophthalmic Medical Programs (CoA-OMP) recently granted HFCC initial accreditation for the College's Ophthalmic Technician Program (OPT). This achievement makes the HFCC OPT program the first accredited program by CoA-OMP in Michigan.

A review of HFCC OPT program by the CoA-OMP means that HFCC’s program is in compliance with the national accreditation standards established by the Association of Technical Personnel in Ophthalmology (ATPO), the Joint Commission of Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO) and the Consortium of Ophthalmic Training Programs (COTP).

Becoming the first accredited program in Michigan is a “stamp of approval” for the professional community, demonstrating that HFCC conforms to a higher set of standards, according to Dr. Tracy Pierner, HFCC vice president of Academic Affairs for Career and Technical Programs.

“This is a proud day for the College to not only receive this high honor, but to be the first in Michigan to receive this high honor. HFCC continues to offer cutting-edge programs for students to make them competitive in this tough job market, and this new recognition firmly supports our efforts,” said Pierner.

The OPT is an associate’s in Applied Science degree program that began in 2009. Approximately 20 to 24 students receive acceptance into the program each year. According to surveys conducted by the HFCC Health Careers Division, there should be more than 100 new positions opening for ophthalmic technicians in the Midwest region within the next five years.

During the first year of the program, students receive a comprehensive introduction to ophthalmic technology with simulated and actual clinical equipment. The second year includes advanced studies as students begin the clinical component of the program, which consists of approximately 950 hours in a variety of diverse vision care clinical settings, including the Henry Ford Health System, the University of Michigan Eye Institute, Beaumont Hospital and the Kresge Eye Institute.

HFCC’s program prepares students to become entry-level ophthalmic technicians, who provide vision care and perform administrative and clinical functions under the direction of medical or osteopathic physicians who provide comprehensive, refractive, medical and surgical eye care to the public. Some of the other duties of an ophthalmic technician include providing administrative support services by coordinating clinical schedules, assisting in minor and major eye surgery and performing ocular imaging and biometry services as applicable by local law.

“The employment opportunities for our graduates are excellent and provides them with another unique career option in the health care industry,” said Pierner.

For more information, please call 313.317.1720, or visit www.hfcc.edu