Optometry Assistant Program

Admission

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

 

Certificate

Students completing this program will earn a Certificate of Competence from Kapi‘olani CC.

 

Spring 2026

January 21, 2026 to May 13, 2026

This is an entry-level course designed to train students for immediate employment as optometry assistants

This course is offered to both high school seniors and adult students

Online classes meet on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. In-person labs and field experiences will be included.

Tuition grants are available for those who qualify.  More info will be shared at the scheduled information sessions

Table of Contents

Program Overview

The Optometry Assistant Program is a 60-hour course that combines related optometry assistant training using online and in-person delivery of lessons.  A UH-Kapi‘olani CC certificate of competence will be provided to those who successfully complete the course.  This course is open to Hawai‘i high school seniors and adult students.  Some prerequisites will be required prior to program entry.  Graduates will be able to seek employment as Optometry Assistants in Hawai‘i.

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 or reservation is needed.

Zoom Meeting
Or use Zoom meeting ID number: 930 4729 9098

  • October 15, 2025             Wednesday    3:00pm to 4:00pm      Via Zoom
  • November 5, 2025           Wednesday    3:00pm to 4:00pm      Via Zoom
  • December 3, 2025           Wednesday    3:00pm to 4:00pm      Via Zoom

Step Two:  Admission into this program is on a First Qualified, First to Register basis.

This course is conducted with college-level expectations.  Proficiency in the English language, professionalism, meeting deadlines are required.  Prerequisites to qualify for program entry are as follows:

High School Seniors: Recommendation or referral letter from your high school counselor or teacher.  Details provided at the info session.

College-Level or Adult Students:  A copy of your college transcript showing one semester (12 credits) of completion with 2.0 cumulative GPA or higher.

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 prior to the first evening of class.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Course tuition is $1000.  There may be tuition assistance available to those who qualify.  More information will be provided at the scheduled information sessions.  Those who qualify will be able to enroll with no cost.

Learning Outcomes

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the day-to-day functions, capabilities, duties, personnel, and work-flow of an optometric practice
  • Demonstrate and understand professionalism and ethics
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the office principles utilized by optometric personnel (paraoptometrics)
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the process for assisting doctors and patients
  • Understand the anatomy and physiology of the eye
  • Understand basic eye disorders, diseases, and treatment including basic pharmacology
  • 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 patient scheduling, ordering of supplies, insurance reimbursement, billing and coding