Your Eyes. Most everything you have ever learned, came to you through your eyes. Like many of us, you probably take your vision for granted; most people see clearly without thinking about it. Unfortunately, for millions of Americans, poor vision is a daily way of life. 

      Who is responsible for keeping you in sight? There are three trained professionals, known as the three 'O's of eyecare: the Ophthalmologist (M.D.), is a medical doctor specialty trained in diseases and surgery of the eyes, and uses medications, lasers, and surgery to correct vision. The Optometrist (O.D.), is a doctor who can examine, diagnose, and treat disorders of vision, including the fitting of eyeglasses and contacts. The Optician is trained to grind corrective lenses, fabricate, and dispense eyewear to correct deficiencies in vision including nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.
     
      These professionals cannot evaluate and treat patients without highly trained medical assistants and technicians. The Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology, certifies three levels of ophthalmic medical technicians, the Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA®), the Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT®) and the Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT®), with further training, these certified technicians can also become certified as an Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant who works with the M.D. Ophthalmologist in the operating room. 

      A career in vision is one of the most satisfying and rewarding you could choose. The patients are happy, they get better, the hours are reasonable and the pay is great. Sure, there is a lot to learn. But the study of vision is an amazing and exciting endeavor that will keep you stimulated, fascinated, and engaged for life. How do you enter the field? Palm Beach State College is one of a select group of higher educational institutions to offer the Associate in Science Degree in Ophthalmic Medical Technology. This limited access program requires a separate application, which you can download from this site. Read the requirements for admission and start on your road to success.

Interested?
Come visit the program. We hold monthly information sessions in the Ophthalmic Medical Technology Learning Center on the Gardens Campus in Palm Beach Gardens. You can even spend part of your day in an actual ophthalmology practice to see first hand what it is like to be an Ophthalmic Technician. Then decide for yourself.

Get Your Future in Focus!®

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The Ophthalmic Medical Technology two-year Associate in Science Degree Program is a member of the Consortium of Ophthalmic Training Programs (COTP) and the Association of Technical Personnel in Ophthalmology (ATPO). Palm Beach State College is an approved education provider through the Florida Department of Health Division of Medical Quality Assurance and is an equal access/equal opportunity institution.

Robert M. Kershner, M.D., M.S., F.A.C.S.
Department Chairman and Professor 
Contact Us: OMT@PalmBeachState.edu

Students who wish to speak with a college advisor click here or set up an appointment with Student Advising by calling: 561-207-5340