Optometry Assistant Apprenticeship

    Home > Programs of Study > Health Programs > Non-Credit > Optometry Assistant Apprenticeship

    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 Community College. Graduates will also be eligible to sit for the national Certified Paraoptometric (CPO) Examination offered through the American Optometric Association. 

    Spring 2023

    February 21st, 2023 to June 29th, 2023
    Online classes meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:00pm to 9:00pm

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

    The HANA Career Pathways grant is available through the UH system for those who qualify.
    More info will be shared at the information sessions

    Table of Contents

    Program Overview

    The Optometry Assistant Apprenticeship Program is a 145-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

    Registration Procedure

    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 Zoom account.

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

    • November 16, 2022 Wednesday 4:00pm to 5:00pm Via Zoom
    • December 14, 2022 Wednesday 4:00pm to 5:00pm Via Zoom
    • January 4, 2023 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 from your supervisor. Approval forms will be provided at the information sessions. Signed approval forms may be electronically submitted to the program coordinator after attending the information session.

    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.

    Program Information

    Financial Aid

    The HANA Career Pathways grant is available through the UH system for those who qualify. More information will be provided at the information sessions. Those who qualify will be able to enroll at no cost.

    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