An optometric technician works under the supervision of an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
In the Optometric Technician program at Madison College, instructors train students to work in eye care, emphasizing the unique duties required of an optometric technician 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
- Frame and lens selection and eyeglass adjustments
- Contact lens patient education
- Visual training and practice management
- Equipment maintenance and repair
Please note that after acceptance to the Optometric Technician 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.
Program Details
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 Education programs. Please review the Caregiver Background Check information on the School of Health Education Forms and Policies.
Students in the Optometric Technician program must attend full time.
Classes are offered Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:20 p.m.
Optometric Technician program classes may be offered at these Madison College campuses:
Explore financial aid eligibility for this program.
To Enroll:
1. Must be admitted to the Optometric Technician program; see Admission tab.
2. Meet the Registration Requirements below to register for Optometric Technician program classes.
Algebra
Students must demonstrate algebra competency in one of the following ways:
1. Test Scores: Minimum test score cannot be more than two years old:
- ACT Math 17+
- Accuplacer (Arithmetic) 76+
- Accuplacer Next Gen (Arithmetic) 250+
2. Courses: Madison College courses that satisfy this requirement are:
- Basic Algebra or higher
- Elementary Algebra with Apps (10834110) or higher
- College Math (10804107)
- Mathematical Reasoning (10804134) or higher
- Applied Math for Chemistry (77854756)
English
Students must demonstrate English competency in one of the following ways:
1. Test Scores: Minimum test score cannot be more than two years old:
- ACT English 17+
- Accuplacer Write 5+ and Sentence 86+
- Accuplacer Next Gen Writing 260+
2. Courses: Madison College courses that satisfy this requirement are:
- Written Communication (10801195) or higher
- English 1 (20801201) or higher
- Intro to College Writing (10831103)
3. A bachelor's degree or higher
Reading
Students must demonstrate reading competency in one of the following ways:
1. Test Scores: Minimum test score cannot be more than two years old:
- ACT Reading 19+
- Accuplacer Reading 80+
- Accuplacer Next Gen Reading 261+
2. Courses: Madison College courses that satisfy this requirement are:
- Written Communication (10801195) or higher
- English 1 (20801201) or higher
- College Reading Strategies (10808101) or Intro Reading & Study Skills (10838105)
3. A bachelor's degree or higher