An Optometric Assistant is an individual specially trained in assisting an optometrist in the provision of full-scope optometric care to patients. Assistants help optometrists offer a greater range of services in a more efficient and effective manner.

The long-range goal of the Optometric Assistant Course (OAC) is to improve the quality and efficiency of vision care by upgrading assistants to become highly-trained and valued personnel.

The course is designed to provide participants with an understanding of the fundamentals of optometric assisting. It provides assistants with an in-depth knowledge of various equipment, procedures and techniques needed to function smoothly and efficiently in an optometric practice.

The Optometric Assistant Course must be completed in one year from the date of enrollment. A certificate is issued upon successful completion of the course.

Benefits of the Program

• Provides expertly trained Optometric Assistants
• Improves quality and efficiency of patient care
• Fosters greater confidence and pride in high level performance
• Ensures greater longevity of employment with motivated, educated Assistants
• Encourages new or prospective employees to better themselves and work toward a goal
• Enhances the effectiveness and standardization of in-office training programs
• Grants graduates with certification status from the Canadian Association of Optometrists, a certificate suitable for framing, and the right to use the title Canadian Certified Optometric Assistant and its initials: C.C.O.A. while working in an optometric practice and employed by a CAO member Optometrist.

Admission Requirements

In order to enroll in the Optometric Assistant Course, the candidate must currently work in an optometric practice and be employed in the practice of a CAO member optometrist. The assistant must remain employed by the optometrist throughout the duration of the course. Please Note: The course is generally most appropriate for assistants with at least one year of experience. Students with less than one year may register, but the sponsoring optometrist should be prepared to spend more time than usual mentoring these individuals.

Employing Optometrist’s Role

In a remote learning course, most of the practical knowledge comes from office experience under the guidance of a supervising optometrist. The course material provides the framework of knowledge upon which the assistant can build. Guidance from the optometrist assists in integration of the academic and practical aspects of this program.

The participation of the employing optometrist is an integral part of the program. He or she must be ready to explain required concepts and techniques that may, from time to time, be difficult for the assistant. In addition, the optometrist is required to monitor clinical skills so that the assistant may perfect these skills.

The course material includes a Required Skills Checklist that is to be signed by the supervising optometrist to ensure that the required skills have been reviewed at the practice.

Course Description

The Optometric Assistant Course contains four modules. The major topics and learning objectives are identified for each module. The study plan and assignments are based upon these learning objectives. All required reading materials are included in the course binder and text books. There is also one mandatory, 3-day workshop.

Module 1A Office Procedures, The Ocular System & Pre-Testing

Covers office procedures, the ocular system, and a general overview of optometry. Assistants learn about different eyecare delivery groups, managing patients, ophthalmic terminology, ocular anatomy, physiology and pathology.

Module 1B covers the techniques of pre-testing and special procedures. The assistant is required to perform colour vision testing, visual acuity measurement, stereopsis, instillation of eye drops, and other screening procedures regularly performed in optometric practices.

Module 2 Ophthalmic Frame Dispensing Skills

Covers the techniques required when dispensing and adjusting frames, which includes learning the parts of the frame, identifying and categorizing frame types and materials, assembling and adjusting frames. This module also involves learning to select appropriate frames, measuring bifocal, trifocal, and multifocal heights and PD measurements.

Module 3 Ophthalmic Lens Dispensing Skills

Covers basic optics and lens product information. This involves understanding the complete prescription, prismatic effect, selecting appropriate lens styles, tints and coatings, basic lens knowledge (e.g., plastic, glass, high index, etc.), and lensometry.

Module 4 Contact Lenses

Covers background information on contact lenses, as well as guidance in proper patient instruction. Topics include contact lens types, solution systems, hygiene, insertion and removal techniques, and basic fitting theory.

Required Course Materials

In addition to the course binder, each assistant must have access to the following textbooks:

• The Ophthalmic Assistant – 8th edition by Stein, Slatt, and Stein
• System for Ophthalmic Dispensing – 3rd edition Brooks & Borish.

If your office does not have these textbooks, they may be purchased through the CAO office. Complete the registration form and indicate if texts are required.

Assignments and Final Examination

The assignments for each module are meant to facilitate the learning process and assess the assistant’s knowledge and abilities in the optometric field. Assignments are mailed to the National Director for scoring, given a grade out of 50, and returned to the assistant with comments.

Assignments must be submitted by the indicated due dates. Late assigments will be penalized by 15%.

The final examination is designed to assess the assistant’s knowledge and address any problem the assistant may encounter on a typical work day.

The supervising optometrist is responsible for proctoring the two-hour final exam. The optometrist must ensure that the exam is not photocopied or reproduced in any manner prior to or after the exam is written. A one-time rewrite is allowed, if an assistant fails the final examination.

Workshop

The workshop is an integral portion of the Optometric Assistant Course and is, therefore, mandatory. If an assistant does not attend the workshop, he or she is required to attend the workshop when it is scheduled the following year.

The final exam may only be written after the workshop has been completed. The workshops, held in major cities in many provinces, are three days in length. The assistant might have to attend a workshop in a neighbouring province.

Workshop Dates

Required Skills

The assistant must complete a Required Skills Checklist. This involves demonstration of each listed skill to the supervising optometrist on two different occasions. The checklist, signed off by the optometrist, must be returned with the final examination.

Course Schedule

The course begins in October of every year. There are four assignments, which must be completed in a specific timeframe. The course is to be completed by June 30th in any given year, with the final examination written between June 15th and July 31st.

Individual Modules

As an alternative to registering in the complete Optometric Assistant Course, it is possible to complete one or more of the course’s individual modules. This may appeal to individuals who work in a particular area (e.g., dispensing), who wish to obtain specific in-depth training.

Assistants wishing to register for individual modules may do so at any time. Registrants are required to complete the module assignment within a timeframe. As well, registrants may participate in the portion of the hands-on workshop related to the individual module at an additional cost.

A certificate of completion is issued to assistants who have successfully completed the module assignments and submitted the corresponding portion of the Required Skills Checklist, signed off by the supervising optometrist.

It must also be noted that assistants must complete all course modules, the full workshop, and the final examination in order to become a Canadian Certified Optometric Assistant.

There is a separate registration form for assistants wishing to register for individual modules.

Refund Policy

Written cancellation requests received up to the first two weeks of the course will be entitled to a refund equal to 50 percent of the course fee. All course materials must be returned before refunds can be processed.

Continuing Education

Once the Optometric Assistant Course is successfully completed, 18 hours of CAO-approved continuing education must be completed every three years to maintain certification. Potential sources of CE are: provincial optometric association conventions, in-office training by approved industry sponsors, online courses, etc.

Registration

Please click on the links below to download registration forms:
Full Course Registration Form
Individual Modules Registration Form

For more information contact CAO’s National Director – OA Course