Course Information

This course is designed to enable graduates to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to function as Ophthalmic Assistants, providing quality basic care under the supervision of an ophthalmologist. As Canada’s first Ophthalmic Medical Personnel Program, it is endorsed by the Canadian Ophthalmological Society. The course content will include sessions in basic sciences related to the provision of care in the ophthalmic setting, clinical practice, and professional practice. Emphasis will be placed on the integration of theory and practice to meet individual learning needs and to enable the graduate to provide the highest possible standards of care in practice. In view of this, there will be close links between the host college personnel and the sponsoring ophthalmologist. The integration of theory and practice provides an optimal learning experience for the adult student, lays the foundation for the provision of quality care, and gives relevance to the program within the context of employment opportunities in the field. In the development of the Program, new initiatives in course assessment have been added to ensure that assessment strategies used are consistent with the principles of adult learning in Canadian society today. Such strategies provide opportunities for individual expressions of interest and recognition of each student’s personal contribution in keeping with work and study goals. Flexibility in the learning experience and course assessment has been built into the program to accommodate all the students completing this course.