Meet the Future of Eye Care: OPMT Student Elliana

Apr 14, 2026 | 9:19 AM
Meet the Future of Eye Care is a student spotlight series highlighting the stories, experiences, and career paths of students in Alexandria Technical & Community College’s Ophthalmic Medical Technician (OPMT) program. Through their own words and journeys, we showcase the many ways students discover, grow, and thrive in the field of eye care. In this feature, we introduce Elliana, a second-year OPMT student whose path into ophthalmology began with curiosity and quickly evolved into a passion-driven career journey.

By Kimberly Barblock, COT
Ophthalmic Medical Technician Program Director
   

Elliana’s journey into eye care began with something simple, but powerful: a routine eye exam during her senior year of high school. That visit sparked an interest in ophthalmology that would soon turn into a clear career path. 

Today, Elliana is a second-year student in the Ophthalmic Medical Technician (OPMT) program at Alexandria Technical & Community College, preparing to graduate this May. She is already building an impressive foundation in the field, combining hands-on clinical experience with in-depth academic training. 

From Curiosity to Career Path 

After her eye exam during senior year, Elliana went home and began researching how to become a Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT). Alexandria Technical & Community College quickly rose to the top of her search results. A Zoom meeting that December with OPMT faculty helped clarify her next steps and set her up for success early. 

With guidance from the program, Elliana enrolled in PSEO courses through ATCC, allowing her to complete her general education requirements before officially starting the OPMT program. After graduating high school, she began working as an optometric technician, gaining valuable exposure to patient care and clinic workflows even before entering the program. 

That early momentum paid off. Through a local clinic connection, Elliana shadowed in an eye clinic, which led to an interview, and ultimately, a job offer. In many ways, her journey toward becoming a COT began even before her first official day in the program. 

Gaining Real-World Experience in the Clinic 

Elliana currently works at an eye clinic that specializes in anterior segment care, including refractive error correction through LASEK and cataract surgery, innovative glaucoma treatments such as iStent and DSLT, and comprehensive eye care for patients of all ages. 

She has now been working in eye care for over a year and a half, steadily building confidence, clinical competence, and a deeper understanding of ocular disease and treatment. 

Reflecting on her experience, Elliana shared: 

“Becoming an ophthalmic technician has allowed me to combine my joy in helping others with my interest in the complexities of ocular anatomy and common associated disorders such as refractive error (vision correction), cataracts, macular degeneration, and glaucoma.” 

Looking Ahead 

As Elliana approaches graduation, she is excited to continue learning, refining her ophthalmic skills, and growing within the profession. Her story is a powerful example of how early exposure, supportive mentorship, and structured clinical education can shape a confident, career-ready ophthalmic technician. 

Elliana represents exactly what the OPMT program at Alexandria Technical & Community College strives to develop - students who are prepared, passionate, and ready to make an impact in eye care from day one. 

Interested in following a similar path? 

Learn more about the Ophthalmic Medical Technician program at Alexandria Technical & Community College and explore how you can begin, or advance, your future in eye care by signing up for one of our monthly student information webinars here. 

 

 

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