Special Note: Students must enroll in OMA*101, OMA*102, OMA*103, and OMA*104 during the same semester.
OMA*101, Introduction to Ophthalmic Medical Assisting (3 credits)
Students must take OMA*101, OMA*102, OMA*103, and OMA*104 concurrently.
This course introduces the role, scope, and duties of the ophthalmic assistant, including medical history-taking, preliminary patient examination, assessing visual fields, ophthalmic equipment, and office efficiency. Topics included will be the comprehensive eye exam and supplemental tests, lensometry and basic opticianry skills. It also introduces theoretical, clinical, physical and geometric optics, and provides an introduction to the types of vision loss and corrective devices used in Low Vision care. Prerequisite: Eligible for either ENG*101E or ENG*101. (New course, June 2014)
OMA*102, Ocular Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology (3 credits)
Students must take OMA*101, OMA*102, OMA*103, and OMA*104 concurrently.
This course provides the learner with a detailed study of normal ocular anatomy, physiology and pathology. Topics to include; medical terminology and vocabulary commonly used in health care field, the origin of words with emphasis on suffixes, prefixes, roots, abbreviations and terminology pertinent to body systems. It includes the fundamentals of common external and internal diseases of eye and the orbital region, emphasizing the ocular effects of systemic diseases, identification of ocular emergencies, triage and the appropriate response. Topics will also include common ocular surgical procedures, first aid treatment and physician referral procedures.Prerequisite: Eligible for either ENG*101E or ENG*101. (New course, June 2014)
OMA*103, Ophthalmic Clinical Skills and Procedures (4 credits)
Students must take OMA*101, OMA*102, OMA*103, and OMA*104 concurrently.
This course emphasizes basic skills in patient care and examination techniques to include medical history taking and the assessment of the pupils. Additional clinical training will include tonometry, first aid treatment, retinoscopy, biomicroscopy, objective and subjective refractometry, measuring vital signs, clinical equipment maintenance and visual field analysis. Other topics include an overview of ophthalmic pharmacology, comparing drug delivery systems and administering and recording topical and oral medications at a physician’s direction. A safety component of the course covers office and clinic safety, microbiology, disinfection/sterilization and control of infections and prevention of contamination in a medical facility. Prerequisite: Eligible for either ENG*101E or ENG*101. (New course, June 2014)
OMA*104, Healthcare Policies and Procedures (3 credits)
Students must take OMA*101, OMA*102, OMA*103, and OMA*104 concurrently.
This course is designed to serve as an introduction to the health care delivery system and health information management functions for allied health professionals. The students will be introduced to the types of health care delivery organizations and professionals, HIPAA, medical record content, reimbursement methodology and electronic health record use. Important topics of the course will include developing oral and written communication skills, patient education, patient services and relations, medical ethics, regulatory and legal issues, community health eyecare and ophthalmic assistant administrative duties. Prerequisite: Eligible for either ENG*101E or ENG*101. (New course, June 2014)
