Ophthalmic Technician Course

Lesson 1 • Optics and Light Principles

Introduces refraction, reflection, and the behaviour of light through ocular media. Builds the optical foundation required for refractive testing and instrument use.

Lesson 2 • Ocular Physiology Essentials

Explains how each structure functions, including aqueous humour dynamics and retinal phototransduction. Links anatomy to clinical observations made during patient exams.

Lesson 3 • Common Ocular Pathology Introduction

Surveys frequently encountered eye diseases and their anatomical basis. Prepares technicians to recognise abnormal findings during routine testing.

Lesson 1 • Clinic Flow and Triage

Organises patient scheduling, room preparation, and urgent case identification. Efficient triage ensures critical patients receive timely care.

Lesson 2 • Medical History Taking

Teaches structured interviewing to capture chief complaint, ocular history, and systemic conditions. Accurate history directly informs subsequent diagnostic testing.

Lesson 3 • Clinical Documentation Standards

Establishes accurate, legible, and legally sound charting practices for paper and electronic records. Proper documentation protects patients and supports continuity of care.

Lesson 1 • Distance Visual Acuity Testing

Covers Snellen and logMAR chart use, proper testing distance, and notation systems. Accurate acuity measurement is the cornerstone of every ophthalmic encounter.

Lesson 2 • Pupil Assessment and Motility Screening

Covers pupil size, reactivity, and relative afferent pupillary defect testing alongside extraocular motility evaluation. These tests screen for neurological and muscular disorders.

Lesson 3 • Colour Vision and Contrast Sensitivity

Introduces pseudoisochromatic plates and contrast sensitivity charts for detecting neural and retinal deficits. Results flag conditions requiring further diagnostic workup.

Lesson 1 • Spectacle and Contact Lens Basics

Introduces lens types, frame fitting principles, and contact lens modalities. Technicians support patient education and assist with basic optical dispensing tasks.

Lesson 2 • Retinoscopy Fundamentals

Teaches streak retinoscopy technique, working distance neutralisation, and reflex interpretation. Objective refraction provides a starting point for subjective refinement.

Lesson 3 • Prescription Interpretation and Transposition

Explains sphere, cylinder, axis, and add notation and teaches plus-to-minus transposition. Accurate interpretation prevents dispensing errors and supports patient education.

Lesson 4 • Automated Refraction and Keratometry

Covers autorefractor and automated keratometer operation, calibration, and output interpretation. Automated data supplements manual refraction and guides contact lens fitting.

Lesson 1 • Intraocular Pressure Measurement Methods

Covers Goldmann applanation, non-contact, and rebound tonometry techniques and their accuracy factors. IOP measurement is critical for glaucoma detection and management.

Lesson 2 • Optic Nerve and RNFL Imaging

Introduces fundus photography and optical coherence tomography for optic nerve and retinal nerve fibre layer assessment. Imaging provides objective structural data for glaucoma staging.

Lesson 3 • Pachymetry and Corneal Thickness

Teaches ultrasonic and optical pachymetry for corneal thickness measurement and IOP correction. Corneal thickness data refines glaucoma risk stratification.

Lesson 1 • Lens and Vitreous Evaluation

Introduces cataract grading systems and anterior vitreous assessment at the slit lamp. Lens documentation supports surgical planning and disease monitoring.

Lesson 2 • Anterior Chamber and Iris Assessment

Covers Van Herick angle estimation, cell and flare grading, and iris abnormality identification. Anterior chamber evaluation is essential for uveitis and angle-closure screening.

Lesson 3 • Gonioscopy Assistance

Covers gonioscopy lens types, coupling agent use, and angle structure identification to assist the physician. Angle assessment is critical for glaucoma classification.

Lesson 4 • Cornea and Conjunctiva Examination

Teaches systematic corneal and conjunctival inspection using direct, indirect, and specular illumination. Findings guide diagnosis of surface disease and trauma.

Lesson 1 • Fundus Photography

Covers fundus camera setup, pupil dilation, focus, and exposure for standard and wide-field imaging. Quality fundus photos are essential for retinal disease documentation and monitoring.

Lesson 2 • Electrodiagnostic Testing Overview

Surveys electroretinography and visual evoked potential testing for retinal and optic nerve function. Electrodiagnostic results complement structural imaging in complex cases.

Lesson 3 • Optical Coherence Tomography

Teaches macular and optic nerve OCT acquisition, scan pattern selection, and artifact recognition. OCT provides cross-sectional retinal data critical for AMD, diabetic, and glaucoma care.

Lesson 4 • Ocular Ultrasound Basics

Introduces B-scan ultrasonography for evaluating posterior segment when media opacity limits direct viewing. Ultrasound detects retinal detachment, tumours, and vitreous pathology.

Lesson 1 • Preoperative Patient Preparation

Covers biometry, consent verification, dilation, and surgical site marking before cataract and other procedures. Thorough preoperative preparation reduces surgical complications.

Lesson 2 • Sterile Technique and Infection Control

Establishes aseptic principles, hand hygiene, and instrument sterilisation specific to ophthalmic settings. Strict sterile technique prevents sight-threatening postoperative infections.

Lesson 3 • Surgical Instrument Identification

Identifies common ophthalmic surgical instruments, their functions, and proper handling. Instrument familiarity enables efficient and safe intraoperative assistance.

Lesson 4 • Minor Ophthalmic Procedures

Covers foreign body removal, epilation, punctal plug insertion, and irrigation under physician supervision. Technicians perform these procedures safely with proper technique.