Optometry Assistant Apprenticeship

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Admission

Admission into this program is on a First Qualified, First Accepted Basis.

 

Degree & National Certification

Students successfully completing this program will earn a Certificate of Competence from Kapi‘olani CC. Graduates will also be eligible to sit for the national Certified Paraoptometric (CPO) Examination offered through the American Optometric Association.

Summer 2024

August 1st, 2024 to December 17th, 2024
Online classes meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm

This program combines work experience and classroom training for upskilling. All students need to be currently working in an optometry setting to enroll.

Table of Contents

Program Overview

The Optometry Assistant Program is a 114-hour course that combines related optometry work experience with classroom training and prepares students for the national Certified Paraoptometric (CPO) Examination offered through the American Optometric Association.

Contact Information

Program Admission

Step One: Attend a mandatory information session conducted online through Zoom on one of the following dates and times. No appointment is needed. If you do not have the Zoom application on your device, please be sure to download and create your account at https://zoom.us/test.

Zoom meeting link —–  https://tinyurl.com/KAP21RHEP
Zoom meeting ID: 930 4729 9098

  • June 26, 2024 Wednesday 4:00pm to 5:00pm Via Zoom
  • July 17, 2024 Wednesday 4:00pm to 5:00pm Via Zoom

Step Two:  Admission into this program is on a First Qualified, First Accepted Basis.

To qualify for program entry, you must be currently working in an optometry setting with approval and referral from your supervisor. A referral letter will be required to participate in this program.

Step Three: Once approved to enroll, students will be provided with instructions to register. Textbooks are included with enrollment and will be provided to students before the first evening of class.

Program Information

Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition for this course is $2000.

Learning Outcomes

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the day-to-day functions, capabilities, duties, personnel, and work-flow of an optometric practice
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the office principles utilized by optometric personnel (paraoptometrics)
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the process for assisting doctors and patients
  • Demonstrate preparation for the CPO Exam
  • Understand the anatomy and physiology of the eye
  • Understand basic eye disorders, diseases, and treatment
  • Understand and explain the patient’s medical eye examination information
  • Be able to instruct patients on the different eyewear options to improve a patient’s vision
  • Understand office management skills including billing and coding