News and Events

By Ophthalmic Medical Technician Program Director, Kimberly Barblock, COT 

As part of the hands-on clinical training in our Ophthalmic Medical Technician (OPMT) program, students participate in supervised clinical rotations in ophthalmology practices across the country. Each semester, clinical preceptors evaluate students on specific skills that align with their level of training and industry standards. 
 
These assessments ensure that our students are developing the technical abilities and professional readiness needed to support ophthalmologists in delivering exceptional patient care and to prepare for the International Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (IJCAHPO) Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) exam upon graduation. 

Here's what first- and second-year students in the OPMT program can expect during the spring semester: 

First-Year Students (Spring 2) Will Be Assessed On: 

• Advanced Confrontation Visual Fields (CVFs) – Building on the basic visual field screening learned in the fall, students will perform a more detailed technique to assess a patient’s peripheral vision and detect potential field defects. 

• Manual Lensometry – Measuring a patient’s current eyeglass prescription using a manual lensometer, an essential skill for determining baseline refractive status before an eye exam. 

• Basic Retinoscopy – Conducting an objective assessment of a patient’s refractive error by evaluating how light reflects from the retina—often the first step in determining a glasses prescription. 

• Basic Refractometry – Applying foundational steps of subjective refraction, where a student fine-tunes a prescription by asking patients to compare lens options (‘Which is better, one or two?’). 

• Goldmann Tonometry – Performing the gold standard method of measuring intraocular pressure, an important test for detecting and managing glaucoma. 

Second-Year Students (Spring 4) Will Be Assessed On: 

• Keratometry – Measuring the curvature of the cornea, which helps identify astigmatism and is used for contact lens fitting, surgical planning, and evaluating corneal diseases. 

• Ocular Motility Testing – Assessing how the eyes move together in all directions to detect muscle imbalances, cranial nerve issues, or underlying binocular vision problems. 

• Pupil Function Assessments – Evaluating how pupils respond to light and accommodation, which can reveal neurological or ocular abnormalities and provide important diagnostic clues. 

• Goldmann Visual Field Testing – Performing manual, kinetic perimetry to map a patient’s peripheral vision. This technique is especially valuable for detecting and tracking progressive visual field loss. 

Expanding Clinical Experience 

Beyond formal assessments, students observe and participate in many other aspects of ophthalmic care depending on each clinic's workflow. This may include patient workups, ophthalmic imaging, slit lamp examinations, advanced tonometry techniques, and patient education. 
 
Our clinical partners play an essential role in shaping the next generation of ophthalmic medical technicians. Their mentorship, feedback, and commitment to education help ensure our students graduate confident, capable, and career-ready. 

Interested in Becoming a Preceptor or Student? 

If you are an eye care professional interested in supporting the future of the profession, or if you’re considering a career as an Ophthalmic Medical Technician, we would love to connect with you. 

• Potential preceptors or clinics: Discover how partnering with ATCC supports workforce development and brings new talent into the profession by reading our first preceptor spotlight blog.  

• Prospective students: Learn more about our hybrid online OPMT program and how clinical rotations work in your local area by attending a free monthly student information webinar via Zoom.