Essential functions
A Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) from the Eye Technician program possesses:
- A scientific attitude
- Sound judgment
- A highly personable manner
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English
- The ability to successfully multitask
Candidates who are successful in this career have:
- A strong desire to help people.
- Motivation to learn about the role of allied health in ophthalmology and assisting ophthalmologists.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, dedicated to helping their community care for vision and eye health.
- Have an aptitude for technical hands-on skills with specialized equipment.
- Strong computer skills are highly recommended.
- Strong communication skills, verbal and written.
- Adaptability to a changing industry.
Most COTs perform these tasks:
- Take patient medical histories
- Assist the doctor in the examination and treatment of patients
- Assist the doctor in minor eye procedures
- Assist in fitting contact lenses
- Administer topical and oral medications
- Provide education for patients
- Perform diagnostic testing
To be successful in the Eye Technician program and become employable, you must be able to perform essential functions expected of a COT (see list below). Please contact the Eye Technician program regarding questions or concerns about these requirements.
Physical functions
- Able to sit, stand, and move freely about the office with the ability to:
- Stand, walk, and sit for long periods
- Move independently and maneuver in small spaces
- Turn and/or bend at the waist while seated or standing
- Lift and carry 35 pounds
- Manual dexterity
- Motor function to operate ophthalmic equipment
- Visual abilities to accurately perform duties
- Excellent corrected visual acuity
- Ability to read medical charts, fine print, and computer monitors
- Hearing ability to respond to patients and co-workers
- Hear and observe patients to ascertain information
Academic and interpersonal functions
- Communication skills to safely and accurately assess patients and communicate with others
- Verbal and written communication with patients, co-workers, and the public in person and by phone
- Obtain and document patient history and current complaints
- Understand and work under the direction of the physician
- Ability to communicate and carry out written and verbal instructions
- Instruct patients on the installation of ophthalmic medications, post-operative care, and other home care
- Technical aptitude
- Use telephone, computer, fax, and copier
- Master new skills and use of ophthalmic equipment quickly
- Maintain a clean and hygienic workspace
- Analytical and critical thinking skills
- Measure, calculate, reason, analyze, and synthesize
- Problem-solve and troubleshoot issues
- Retain and recall information given verbally
- Coordinate and prioritize multiple tasks
- Comprehend three-dimensional relationships of structures
- Comprehend and apply abstract concepts from biological, sociological, and psychological sciences
- Tolerate ambiguity
- Interpersonal skills
- Team player
- Positive response to instruction and supervision
- Professional attributes
- Dependable and punctual
- Carefully adheres to program and affiliate policies
- Appears professional in dress and demeanor
- Maintains personal hygiene
AEDR Accommodations
Applicants, students and program personnel are treated equally. The program does not deny admission nor discriminate against applicants, enrolled students, or program personnel. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1991 (ADA) mandates that reasonable accommodations must be made for individuals with disabilities. Any student who may need an accommodation for a disability should make an appointment with the Department Chair and Accessible Ed & Disability Resources.