Big News: The OPMT Program at ATCC Is Now Fully Accredited!

Jul 17, 2025 | 2:27 PM
We are thrilled to announce that the Ophthalmic Medical Technician (OPMT) Program at Alexandria Technical & Community College is now officially fully accredited by the International Council on Accreditation (ICA) for Allied Ophthalmic Education Programs!

By Kimberly Barblock, COT
Ophthalmic Medical Technician Program Director
  
This achievement marks a significant milestone for our students, faculty, and clinical partners—and it reflects the quality, rigor, and integrity that define our program.

What Accreditation Means 

Program accreditation is a voluntary but critical process that ensures a program meets nationally recognized standards of excellence in education. For students, it provides confidence that their training prepares them for certification and a successful career in allied ophthalmology. For employers, it signals that graduates are ready to deliver high-quality patient care in clinical settings. 

Who Oversees Accreditation? 

The International Council on Accreditation (ICA) is the recognized accrediting body for ophthalmic medical technician education programs. ICA works closely with IJCAHPO (the International Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology) to establish standards and ensure programs meet the educational and clinical competencies needed for professional success. 

The Accreditation Process 

Earning full accreditation is a multi-step process that takes careful planning, commitment, and collaboration. Here is a look at just some of the steps we have completed: 

 

  1. Application & Eligibility Review – ATCC’s OPMT program submitted a comprehensive application and was approved to move forward in the accreditation process. 

  1. Self-Study Report – Our team completed an extensive self-study, documenting how our curriculum, faculty, clinical rotations, and student outcomes align with ICA’s standards. 

  1. Initial Accreditation – After a thorough review, our program was granted initial accreditation, allowing us to continue building and refining the program. 

  1. Site Visit – In February of 2025, ICA conducted an on-site evaluation, meeting with faculty, students, administrators, and clinical partners to assess program effectiveness and quality. 

  1. Full Accreditation – Following additional documentation and ICA board review, our program was officially granted full accreditation in July of 2025! 

 

You can read more about the process for ophthalmic technician programs on the ICA Accreditation Website.

What This Means for Students 

Graduates of the OPMT program at ATCC are now—and will continue to be—eligible to sit for the Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) exam offered by IJCAHPO. This credential opens doors to advancement, specialization, and long-term success in the eye care field. 

A Team Effort 

This accomplishment would not have been possible without the dedicated faculty in the OPMT program, the supportive staff and leadership at ATCC, and the clinical partners and advisory committee members who generously contribute their time and expertise. Thank you for believing in this program and our mission to educate the next generation of allied ophthalmic professionals. 

The Future Is Bright 

With full accreditation in place, we are excited to keep growing, innovating, and preparing our students for rewarding careers in eye care. We are just getting started—and we cannot wait to see what is next. 

Interested in learning more about the OPMT Program at ATCC? Join one of our monthly Zoom Student Information Webinars, held the second Tuesday of each month at 5:00 PM CST. Click here to sign up for the next webinar. 

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CLEAR VISION, BRIGHT FUTURES: EDUCATING OPHTHALMIC TECHNICIANS

 
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