Start by learning what it takes to keep eyes healthy. Then put it into practice – working with doctors and patients.
Eye Exam
Ophthalmic Assistant
Program Number: 905161CERT
Your Degree: Certificate
Estimated Time to Complete: 29 Credits | Finish in 1 year
Delivery Method: 100% In Person
Area of Study: Health Sciences
Estimated Program Cost: $5,177.48
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  • Program Overview

    Madison College's Ophthalmic Assistant Certificate expands on the Optometric Technician Program curriculum. 

    The Ophthalmic Assistant certificate may be completed in two semesters of full-time study, plus an additional four-week clinical experience.

    The clinical experience is an important part of the certificate training. In this portion of the training, you will refine the skills you learned by working directly with doctors and patients during a four-week clinical session. 

    Please note that after acceptance to the program, you will be required to complete a background check, provide documentation of current required-immunizations and current Healthcare Provider CPR certification. Further information about these requirements will be shared at program orientation.

    Wisconsin law requires background checks for persons who provide care for others or have access to people who receive care. This law applies to students in many School of Health Sciences programs. Please review the Caregiver Background Check information on the School of Health Sciences Forms and Policies.

    Program Details

    Students in the Ophthalmic Assistant Certificate must attend full time. 

    Ophthalmic Assistant Certificate classes is offered at the Truax Campus.

    Careers

    As of October 2024, the website salary.com indicates the annual salary range for Certified Ophthalmic Assistants (COA) in the Madison area is $47,946 - $61,883 with the median salary at $54,478.

    Earning the Ophthalmic Assistant certificate at MATC prepares you to work under the supervision of an ophthalmologist.

    MATC's Ophthalmic Assistant certificate is accredited by the International Council of Accreditation.

  • Program Courses

    Here's a sample course sequence that shows how classes for full-time students are typically organized by semester. 

    Once you're admitted, your full curriculum and sequence—including any pre-requisites—is defined in your Degree Progress Report.

    First Semester
    31-516-325
    Optical Dispensing 1
    Covers frame definition, parts and types of frames, measurement of frames and lenses, alignment of frames, inserting and removing lenses, introduction to dispensing of eyewear and frame repairs.
    3 credits
    31-516-301
    Ophthalmic Pre-Testing
    Covers the history of optometry, relationships between optometry, ophthalmology and opticianry and various paraprofessional careers in vision care. The course involves the study of and practical experience in patient pre-testing such as case history, visual acuity, color vision, pupil evaluation and depth perception as well as the specialized testing procedures such as keratometry and blood pressure.
    3 credits
    31-516-305
    Basic Optical Concepts
    Covers the properties of light and the function of a lens in vision correction. Included is a review of basic math needed in vision care and the physiological aspects of vision. This course begins the study of the neutralization and verification of spectacle lens powers, to include spherical, cylindrical and prism lenses.
    3 credits
    31-516-315
    Ocular Anatomy
    Familiarizes the optometric technician with the form and function of the human eye. The foundation of the lecture material is the anatomy of the eye, but we will discuss the physiology and function of the eye as much as possible. We will also discuss the actions and uses of diagnostic pharmaceutical agents, as their function is based on interference with normal ocular physiology. This course also covers optometric terminology as well as prescription translation.
    2 credits
    31-516-339
    Human Relations - Optometric Technician Program
    Introduces students to their personal and vocational responsibilities as an optometric technician. The development of communication skills one needs as an optometric technician are introduced. The ethical and legal responsibilities of an optometric technician are defined. Time management techniques will be presented. Basic concepts of stress and how it affects behavior, and stress management are discussed. The course also covers writing a job application letter and resume as well as interview techniques.
    1 credit
    Second Semester
    31-516-327
    Clinical Ophthalmic Procedures
    This course prepares the technician to assist the doctor in advanced office techniques in the area of ultrasound, in-office surgical procedures, case history, scribing, instrument maintenance and repair and ophthalmic imaging. Students will also study various systemic diseases and their effect on the eye. The performance of the various skills is emphasized in the laboratory sessions.
    2 credits
    31-516-326
    Optical Dispensing 2
    This course assists the student in developing a mastery of the alignment and adjustment of eyewear. It also covers the various lens materials, multifocal styles and lens tints.
    2 credits
    31-516-330
    Contact Lenses
    Gives the student in-depth exposure to the technical aspects of clinical contact lens practice. Lecture and laboratory experiences emphasize lens verification, patient education and evaluation.
    3 credits
    31-516-335
    Ophthalmic Specialty Testing
    Provides the student experience and knowledge in areas of special vision care procedures: subjective refraction, visual field testing, slit lamp, Goldmann and non-contact tonometry, basic concepts of orthoptics and the treatment of eye diseases including instillation of eye medications and eye patching. Patient instruction and assistance are emphasized in laboratory sessions.
    3 credits
    31-516-340
    Patient Relations/Pract Manage
    Provides a study of front office management techniques including telephone and appointment book management, filing, recall systems, bookkeeping and insurance claim processing.
    2 credits
    31-516-345
    Preclinical
    Prepares students for clinical affiliation by having them complete vision screenings on patients from the college. Class discussions are held analyzing the results of the screening as well as the students’ performance.
    2 credits
    31-516-350
    Clinical Experience
    Students participate in assigned clinical experience in an optometric or clinic setting. The student is expected to achieve specific educational objectives determined for this experience.
    3 credits

  • How to Apply

    Earning a certificate is a great way to expand your skill set and add professionalism to a resume. Applications for this certificate are available once per year.

    If you are an international student and want to apply to Madison College, or transfer your F-1 student visa here, check program availability and then complete the International Admission Process

    Application Dates

    Spring 2027 

    • Application open
    • Application completion deadline is January 15, 2027

    Admission Requirements

    1. Admission Application

    The online application allows you to save your work as you complete it and ensures fast, secure delivery to our office.

    2. Education Completion

    Applicants must be in the second semester of the in-person (not online) Madison College Optometric Technician program. 

    Admissions will review applications to confirm enrollment in second semester classes. If you are not currently in the program, please contact the program director.

    Additional Notes

    Certificate programs are not eligible for financial aid.

    Individual courses may have prerequisites to enroll. Admission into a certificate does not guarantee eligibility to enroll in courses. See the Curriculum section for the list of courses for the certificate. 

    After Acceptance

    Once you are admitted into your certificate, review the Start of Semester Checklist to prepare for your first day of classes at Madison College. 

    Questions?

    Contact the Enrollment Center at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.  

    apply for admission

    Get Started!

    Apply to Madison College and take the first step towards your Ophthalmic Assistant career.

    It's Free to Apply

  • Career Outcomes

    An ophthalmic assistant works under the supervision of an ophthalmologist.

    The program at Madison College, instructors train students to work in eye care, emphasizing the unique duties required of an ophthalmic assistant to provide quality vision care services to patients.

    An important part of the curriculum is the clinical experience portion, in which you will work directly with doctors and patients.

    Technical training includes:

    • Patient pre-testing skills such as visual acuity, measuring eye pressure, muscle movement and pupillary assessment
    • Operating ophthalmic equipment such as phoropters, ophthalmic imaging instruments, ultrasonography, visual field testing, tonometers and lensometers
    • Assisting in ophthalmic surgery
    • Ocular anatomy and physiology
    • Ophthalmic terminology and pharmacology
    • Contact lens patient education
    • Visual training and practice management
    • Equipment maintenance and repair

    After completing the Ophthalmic Assistant certificate at Madison Area Technical College, you will be prepared to:

    • Perform anatomical and functional measurements of the eye such as corneal thickness (pachymetry) and length of the eye (A-scan).
    • Assist in minor surgical procedures.
    • Care for, maintain and sterilize surgical instruments.
    • Take a complex medical history.
    • Assess the effects of systemic diseases.

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