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The Jules Stein Eye Institute Ophthalmic Assistant Training
Program (OATP) is designed to enable the student to perform assigned duties
and ophthalmic procedures as assistants to the ophthalmologist(s) with
whom they work. The OATP will also prepare the student for the examination
leading to certification as an Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) offered through
the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO).
It is open to any qualifying non-physician in ophthalmic patient care in
the Southern California area. The student must be sponsored by an ophthalmologist
who can provide supervised practical experience for a minimum of one year.
Students are eligible to take the JCAHPO certification examination in July,
following successful completion of the OATP.
Established in 1978, the program is directed and conducted by the Jules
Stein Eye Institute faculty, clinical fellows, physician residents, optometrists,
orthoptists, ophthalmic medical personnel, nurses, and other qualified
staff members. The training includes multimedia instruction through lectures,
slides, video and audio tapes, and laboratory experience in the following
subjects: medical terminology, medical law and ethics, general and ocular
anatomy and physiology, basic skills, basic ophthalmic pharmacology, principles
of tonometry, introduction to diseases of the eye, maintenance of ophthalmic
instruments, and general medical knowledge, infection control, and emergencies.
Upon completion of this program the student should be able to:
1.
Take a general medical and ophthalmic history
2. Take basic anatomical and functional ocular measurements
3. Test ocular functions (e.g. visual acuity and basic color vision tests)
4. Perform lensometry
5. Adjust and make minor repairs to spectacles
6. Administer topical ophthalmic and oral medications
7. Instruct the patient in personal eye care
8. Care for and maintain ophthalmic instruments and equipment
9. Care for, maintain, and sterilize surgical instruments
10. Perform other tasks as may be delegated consistent with sound medical
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Progress will be monitored by weekly written examinations and periodic
performance evaluations. A minimum grade average of 70% is required to
pass this program. Upon successful completion, the student will receive
a certificate, however, they still need to pass the JCAHPO examination
in order to become certified as a COA.
Admission Requirements
This program is open to High School graduates (or GED equivalent) with
basic science requirements in Algebra, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
who are proficient in English. Transcripts of highest degree earned will
be requested. A basic math and reading comprehension test will be administered
to all applicants.
A minimum of one year of work experience in ophthalmology (employment during
the course may be counted towards this requirement).
In accordance with official policy of the University of California, this
program does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, color, national
origin, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or marital status in
its admission policy.
Enrollment is limited to 20 students.
Fees
Registration fees may be paid by check, MasterCard, Visa, or American
Express and are due upon notification of acceptance into the OATP. Please
make checks payable to: Jules Stein Eye Institute.
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Textbooks:
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$300 |
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Administrative
Costs:
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$100 |
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Tuition:
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$1100 |
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Total
Registration Fee:
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$1500 |
Refunds
Fees for the textbooks will be forwarded to the appropriate agencies
immediately upon admission of the applicant to the program and are not
refundable nor are the administrative costs. A portion of the tuition may
be refunded for early withdrawal based on the following:
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WITHDRAWAL
WEEK
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%
REFUND
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First
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90
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Second
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80
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Third
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70
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Fourth
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60
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Fifth
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50
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Sixth
or later
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0
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Deadlines
The completed Application for Enrollment must be received by August 1,
2008.
Absenteeism Policy
The OATP is held Wednesday afternoons from 1:00-5:00 p.m. in the Seminar
Room on the first floor of the Jules Stein Eye Institute beginning September
3, 2008.
Weekly attendance will be taken. Special arrangements can be made with
the Program Director to make-up examinations and/or demonstrations when
there is an excused absence. Additional handouts will be available and
students can obtain notes from their fellow students.
Four or more absences will prompt a special evaluation of the student's
commitment to the program and his/her ability to meet the mandatory 80
hours of classroom time. This may lead to a probationary period, which
could ultimately lead to dismissal from the program. Extraordinary circumstances
will be taken into consideration with the Program and Medical Directors.
Grievance Policy
A student may express their grievances to any of the following individuals:
Medical Director, Kevin Miller, MD (310) 206-9951
Academic Programs, Debbie Sato (310) 825-4617
Associate Administrator, Esther Aheroni (310) 206-1166
Guidance
The Medical and Program Directors are available to assist students
in understanding program policies and practices and the career of ophthalmic
medical assisting.
Further information may be obtained by
contacting:
Debbie
Sato,
Program Director
Ophthalmic Assistant Training Program
Jules Stein Eye Institute
Academic Programs
100 Stein Plaza, Room 3-223
Los Angeles, CA 90095
Phone: (310) 825-4617
FAX: (310) 206-8015
Email: AcProg@jsei.ucla.edu
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