Our Mission Statement
Here at the UPMC Vision Institute we provide on-the-job training of individuals in the Department of Ophthalmology, taught by certified personnel and physicians, to create a strong foundation of competent, skilled, and educated technicians and imagers.
Vision Statement
Our vision is to create and establish a program that teaches individuals how to become certified ophthalmic staff in all areas and services of ophthalmology. We not only provide education and training, but we also enable an exciting and growing career that staff can build upon.
We are proud to announce that as of December 12th, 2024, the state of Pennsylvania unanimously approved our Technician Training Program to become the first state approved apprenticeship in the Department of Ophthalmology.
This position is entry-level to our on-the-job paid learning experience to becoming certified ophthalmic personnel. It offers comprehensive training and dedicated mentorship to ensure the success of every trainee. This position will learn the responsibilities for providing chair-side doctor assistance, performing diagnostic tests as required by ophthalmologist, and assist in administering treatment as allowed and ordered by the physician.
In this program, you will experience the following:
- Lecture series and hands-on training in all subspecialties
- Progress assessments at 3, 6, and 12 months
- Interval skill assessments
- Promotion to Ophthalmic Technician I upon graduation
Program Goals:
- To develop and train candidates to become ophthalmic technicians in the UPMC Department of Ophthalmology
- To prepare them for the Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) certificate examination
- To integrate ophthalmic technicians into the Department of Ophthalmology clinics
Under the supervision of the Director of Operations or their designee, trainees in the ophthalmic assistant training program will receive advanced instruction and training in the following areas:
- Hands-on training in patient evaluation
- Work-up for pre-screening examinations (including practical skills and instrumentation)
- Anatomy of ophthalmology (including pharmacology and procedures)
- Ophthalmic patient service and education
- General medical knowledge
- Providing corrective lenses
- Ophthalmic imaging
- Office responsibilities
This training program is continuous for 12 months, preparing the student for entry into the ophthalmic technician career ladder and eventual certification.
Requirements for Graduation:
- Satisfactory completion of a 12-month program, including all skill assessments
Additional Requirements for the Program:
- Preparation of COA certification within 6 months of program completion (Promotion to Technician II)
- 2-year employment commitment within the Department of Ophthalmology
December 8, 2022- "Department of Ophthalmology Technician Training Program"
The Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine has a unique technician training program
May 15, 2024- "OPH Training Program Update"
Tiona White was part of the pilot ophthalmic technician training program in the Department of Ophthalmology. When we last wrote about the program in December 2022, she had joined after working in Dietary and was studying for her first level of certification.
To learn more about the position and training program, email Raynice Wroblewski at wroblewskirj@upmc.edu