The Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) program, recognized by the International Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (IJCAHPO), is designed to provide entry-level ophthalmic personnel with the essential knowledge and skills required to assist ophthalmologists in delivering high-quality eye care.

The program combines theory, hands-on practice, and supervised clinical experience to ensure participants gain proficiency in basic ophthalmic procedures, patient interaction, and clinical support functions. It is ideal for new ophthalmic personnel or healthcare workers seeking to expand their skills in the ophthalmology field.

To equip participants with the skills to:

• Perform preliminary eye exams and collect patient medical and ocular history.

• Conduct basic ophthalmic measurements (visual acuity, tonometry, keratometry, pachymetry).

• Operate and maintain essential ophthalmic instruments.

• Assist ophthalmologists during clinical procedures and minor surgeries.

• Provide patient education and administrative support within an eye care setting.

• Orientation to ocular anatomy and ophthalmic terminology.

• Training in the use of key ophthalmic instruments: slit lamp, tonometer, keratometer, visual acuity charts.

• Practice on manikins and simulators to develop measurement and examination skills.

• Theoretical lessons on optics, refractive errors, and basic eye physiology.

• Hands-on practice with simulated patients performing preliminary eye tests.

• Accurate measurement of intraocular pressure, corneal curvature, and preliminary refraction.

• Conducting patient interviews to collect medical and ocular history.

• Simulated clinical scenarios, including patient preparation for advanced exams or surgery.

• Performing preliminary eye exams on real patients under supervision.

• Assisting ophthalmologists during consultations and minor procedures.

• Exposure to specialized exams (OCT, visual fields, corneal topography) as an observer and assistant.

• Training in sterilization protocols, instrument care, and clinical hygiene.

• Patient interaction for education, counseling, and post-exam instructions.

• Number of Sessions per Year: 02

• Training Duration: 03 months

• Didactic lectures and seminars

• Dry labs and wet labs for technical skills practice

• Supervised clinical exposure

• Simulation-based training

• Workshops on patient communication and basic administrative tasks

• Logbook to record clinical and technical activities.

• Written and practical examinations aligned with IJCAHPO standards.

• Continuous assessment through instructor observation and direct feedback from supervising ophthalmologists.