2017 – 2018
Florida Department of Education
Curriculum Framework 

Program Title:	Optometric Assisting
Program Type:	Career Preparatory
Career Cluster:	Health Science

This program has been daggered for deletion with 2016-2017 being the last cohort of students permitted to enroll in the program. After 2016-2017, no new students may be enrolled in this program. Beginning in 2017-2018, new students should be enrolled in Optometric Assisting (NEW) (H170705). 

PSAV	
Program Number	H170704	
CIP Number	0351180201	
Grade Level	30, 31	
Standard Length	1080 hours	
Teacher Certification	Refer to the Program Structure section.	
CTSO	HOSA: Future Health Professionals	
SOC Codes (all applicable) 	29-2081 Opticians, Dispensing 
31-9099 Healthcare Support Workers, All Other	
CTE Program Resources 	http://www.fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/career-tech-edu/program-resources.stml 	
Basic Skills Level	Mathematics:	9
Language:	11
Reading:	11	

Purpose

This program offers a sequence of courses that provides coherent and rigorous content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare for further education and careers in the Health Science career cluster; provides technical skill proficiency, and includes competency-based applied learning that contributes to the academic knowledge, higher-order reasoning and problem-solving skills, work attitudes, general employability skills, technical skills, and occupation-specific skills, and knowledge of all aspects of Health Science career cluster. 

The purpose of this program is to prepare students for employment as optometric assistants or SOC 29-2081 Opticians, Dispensing.

The content includes but is not limited to basic instruction in anatomy and physiology, CPR, Heartsaver, office practices and dispensing of visual devices.  Because optometrists now deal with certain drugs, students need knowledge of diagnostic and therapeutic drugs under supervision.  

Additional Information relevant to this Career and Technical Education (CTE) program is provided at the end of this document.

Program Structure

This program is a planned sequence of instruction consisting of 2 occupational completion points.

This program is comprised of courses which have been assigned course numbers in the SCNS (Statewide Course Numbering System) in accordance with Section 1007.24 (1), F.S.  Career and Technical credit shall be awarded to the student on a transcript in accordance with Section 1001.44(3)(b), F.S.

To teach the courses listed below, instructors must hold at least one of the teacher certifications indicated for that course.

The following table illustrates the postsecondary program structure:

OCP	Course Number	Course Title	Teacher Certification	Length	SOC Code	
A	HSC0003	Basic Healthcare Worker	TEC OPTICS 7G 
OPTOM ASST 7 G	90 hours	31-9099	
B	OPT0005	Optometric Assistant 1		330 hours	29-2081	
	OPT0006	Optometric Assistant 2		330 hours		
	OPT0007	Optometric Assistant 3		330 hours		

Common Career Technical Core – Career Ready Practices

Career Ready Practices describe the career-ready skills that educators should seek to develop in their students.  These practices are not exclusive to a Career Pathway, program of study, discipline or level of education.  Career Ready Practices should be taught and reinforced in all career exploration and preparation programs with increasingly higher levels of complexity and expectation as a student advances through a program of study. 

1. Act as a responsible and contributing citizen and employee. 

2. Apply appropriate academic and technical skills. 

3. Attend to personal health and financial well-being. 

4. Communicate clearly, effectively and with reason. 

5. Consider the environmental, social and economic impacts of decisions. 

6. Demonstrate creativity and innovation. 

7. Employ valid and reliable research strategies. 

8. Utilize critical thinking to make sense of problems and persevere in solving them. 

9. Model integrity, ethical leadership and effective management. 

10. Plan education and career path aligned to personal goals. 

11. Use technology to enhance productivity. 

12. Work productively in teams while using cultural/global competence. 

Standards

After successfully completing this program, the student will be able to perform the following:

01.0	Demonstrate knowledge of the healthcare delivery system and health occupations.
02.0	Demonstrate the ability to communicate and use interpersonal skills effectively.
03.0	Demonstrate legal and ethical responsibilities.
04.0	Demonstrate an understanding of and apply wellness and disease concepts.
05.0	Recognize and practice safety and security procedures.
06.0	Recognize and respond to emergency situations.
07.0	Recognize and practice infection control procedures.
08.0	Demonstrate an understanding of information technology applications in healthcare.
09.0	Demonstrate employability skills.
10.0	Demonstrate knowledge of blood borne diseases, including HIV/AIDS.
11.0	Apply basic math and science skills.  
12.0	Report and record patient information.
13.0	Demonstrate knowledge of business management techniques.
14.0	Performs delivery of optical devices.
15.0	Perform and assist in procedures used in visual testing.
16.0	Perform special procedures.
17.0	Demonstrate knowledge of the refractive status of the eye and binocularity.
18.0	Demonstrate knowledge of basic ocular anatomy and physiology.
19.0	Demonstrate knowledge of Medical Coding and Billing as it pertains to Optometric practice

2017 – 2018
Florida Department of Education
Student Performance Standards

Program Title:	Optometric Assisting
PSAV Number:	H170704

The Basic Health Care Worker (HSC0003) is referred to as the Health Science Core and is the first OCP in the majority of the PSAV health science programs. Secondary and Postsecondary students completing the health science core will not have to repeat the core in any other health science program in which it is a part.  When the recommended sequence is followed, the structure allows students to complete at specified points for employment or remain for advanced training or cross-training.

PSAV Course Number:  HSC0003
Occupational Completion Point:  A 
Basic Healthcare Worker – 90 Hours – SOC Code 31-9099	
 
To ensure consistency whenever these courses are offered, the health science core standards (1-11) have been placed in a separate document. You can access the course standards and benchmarks by visiting this link: http://www.fldoe.org/core/fileparse.php/5652/urlt/health_sci_core_psav_cc_1718.rtf

Course Number: OPT0005
Occupational Completion Point: B
Optometric Assistant 1 – 330 Hours – SOC Code 29-2081 	
12.0	Report and record patient information.--The student will be able to:	
12.01	Properly identify patients.	
12.02	Obtain specified data from patient and family regarding visual status.	
12.03	Receive and give oral report of patient's visual status.	
12.04	Report and record pertinent observations of visual status.	
12.05	Utilize verbal and written information to assist with the plan of care for the patient.	
13.0	Demonstrate knowledge of business management techniques.--The student will be able to:	
13.01	Demonstrate knowledge of legal and ethical standards of vision care professionals.	
13.02	Maintain and file patient records.	
13.03	Bill and collect current and overdue accounts.	
13.04	Practice office supply control.	
13.05	Demonstrate knowledge of medical terminology.	
13.06	Practice accepted work ethic.	
13.07	Demonstrate basic maintenance of equipment.	
13.08	Schedule patients.	
13.09	Complete and file third party forms.	
13.10	Keyboard 25 words per minute correctly.	
14.0	Perform delivery of optical devices.--The student will be able to:	
14.01	Transcribe, transpose, and interpret prescriptions.	
14.02	Neutralize and verify lenses.	
14.03	Select and order lenses.	
14.04	Adjust, dispense and repair spectacles.	
14.05	Assist patients with frame and lens selection.	
14.06	Demonstrate knowledge of basic mathematical principles that are involved in ophthalmic and geometrical optics including OC, prism, characteristics of lenses, electromagnetic spectrum, and focal length.	
14.07	List the types of repairs which can be performed on plastic and metal frames and describe how these repairs are accomplished.	
14.08	Demonstrate knowledge of various lens designs and materials.	
	
Course Number: OPT0006
Occupational Completion Point: B
Optometric Assistant 2 – 330 Hours – SOC Code 29-2081	
15.0	Perform and assist in procedures used in visual testing.--The student will be able to:	
15.01	Perform vision screening and preliminary testing.	
15.02	Measure and record visual acuity.	
15.03	Measure and record color vision.	
15.04	Measure and record stereo acuity.	
15.05	Take and record patient histories.	
15.06	Perform chair side assisting.	
15.07	Describe components of instrumentation used in comprehensive vision evaluation.	
16.0	Perform special procedures.--The student will be able to:	
16.01	Assist in fitting contact lenses.	
16.02	Instruct patients in care and handling of rigid contact lenses.	
16.03	Use selected instruments to verify contact lenses.	
16.04	Demonstrate knowledge of the advantages and disadvantages of various contact lens materials and designs.	
16.05	Demonstrate knowledge of vision therapy.	
16.06	Measure and record intraocular pressure.	
16.07	Measure and record a visual field.	
16.08	Demonstrate knowledge of diagnostic and therapeutic drugs.	

Course Number: OPT0007
Occupational Completion Point: B
Optometric Assistant 3– 330 Hours – SOC Code 29-2081	
17.0	Demonstrate knowledge of the refractive status of the eye and binocularity.--The student will be able to:	
17.01	Demonstrate knowledge of refractive errors.	
17.02	Demonstrate knowledge of visual deficiencies.	
17.03	Demonstrate knowledge of ocular motility.	
17.04	Demonstrate knowledge of binocular vision.	
17.05	Demonstrate ability to communicate knowledge to patients.	
17.06	Demonstrate the ability to recognize sight threatening emergencies.	
18.0	Demonstrate knowledge of basic ocular anatomy and physiology.--The student will be able to:	
18.01	Demonstrate knowledge of ocular anatomy.	
18.02	Demonstrate knowledge of ocular physiology.	
18.03	Demonstrate knowledge of pathological and functional disorders of the eye.	
18.04	Correlate general health as it relates to ocular health.	
19.0	Demonstrate knowledge of Medical Coding and Billing as it pertains to Optometric practice. --The student will be able to :	
19.01	Demonstrate the ability to code CPT, CID, and HCPCS codes with a focus on correct coding sequencing of CPT codes for Optometry.	
19.02	Describe the recording and reporting of Optometric services in medical records and claims, both manual and automated.	

Additional Information

Laboratory Activities

Laboratory investigations that include scientific inquiry, research, measurement, problem solving, emerging technologies, tools and equipment, as well as, experimental, quality, and safety procedures are an integral part of this career and technical program/course. Laboratory investigations benefit all students by developing an understanding of the complexity and ambiguity of empirical work, as well as the skills required to manage, operate, calibrate and troubleshoot equipment/tools used to make observations. Students understand measurement error; and have the skills to aggregate, interpret, and present the resulting data. Equipment and supplies should be provided to enhance hands-on experiences for students.

Special Notes

This program meets the Department of Health HIV/AIDS Domestic Violence and Prevention of Medical Errors education requirements. Upon completion of this program, the instructor will provide a certificate to the student verifying that these requirements have been met.

If students in this program are seeking a licensure, certificate or registration through the Department of Health, please refer to 456.0635 F.S. for more information on disqualification for a license, certificate, or registration through the Department of Health. 

Students are prepared to assist in performing tests to determine defects in vision, preparing and fitting eyeglasses and contact lenses, and administering corrective eye exercises and other treatments under the supervision of a person licensed under FL Statutes 458, 459, 463 or 484.

This program focuses on broad, transferable skills and stresses understanding and demonstration of the following elements of the health care industry; planning, management, finance, technical and production skills, underlying principles of technology, labor issues, community issues and health, safety, and environmental issues.

Outcomes 01-11 are referred to as the Health Science Core and do not have to be completed if the student has previously completed the Core in another health occupations program at any level. The Core should be taken first or concurrently with the first course in the program. Following the successful completion of the core, the student is eligible to take the National Health Care Foundation Skill Standards Assessment with instructor approval and the completion of a portfolio.

MyCareerShines is an interactive resource to assist students in identifying their ideal career and to enhance preparation for employment. Teachers are encouraged to integrate this resource into the program curriculum to meet the employability goals for each student.  Access MyCareerShines by visiting: www.mycareershines.org.

Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO)

HOSA: Future Health Professionals is the intercurricular career and technical student organization providing leadership training and reinforcing specific career and technical skills. Career and Technical Student Organizations provide activities for students as an integral part of the instruction offered. 

Cooperative Training – OJT

On-the-job training is appropriate but not required for this program.  Whenever offered, the rules, guidelines, and requirements specified in the OJT framework apply. 

Basic Skills 

In PSAV programs offered for 450 hours or more, in accordance with Rule 6A-10.040, F.A.C., the minimum basic skills grade levels required for postsecondary adult career and technical students to complete this program are:  Mathematics 9, Language 11, and Reading 11. These grade level numbers correspond to a grade equivalent score obtained on a state designated basic skills examination.  

Adult students with disabilities, as defined in Section 1004.02(7), Florida Statutes, may be exempted from meeting the Basic Skills requirements (Rule 6A-10.040).  Students served in exceptional student education (except gifted) as defined in s. 1003.01(3)(a), F.S., may also be exempted from meeting the Basic Skills requirement.  Each school district and Florida College must adopt a policy addressing procedures for exempting eligible students with disabilities from the Basic Skills requirement as permitted in Section 1004.91(3), F.S.

Students who possess a college degree at the Associate of Applied Science level or higher; who have completed or are exempt from the college entry-level examination; or who have passed a state, national, or industry licensure exam are exempt from meeting the Basic Skills requirement (Rule 6A-10.040, F.A.C.)  Exemptions from state, national or industry licensure are limited to the certifications listed on the Basic Skills and Licensure Exemption List which may be accessed from the CTE Program Resources page.

Accommodations

Federal and state legislation requires the provision of accommodations for students with disabilities to meet individual needs and ensure equal access. Postsecondary students with disabilities must self-identify, present documentation, request accommodations if needed, and develop a plan with their counselor and/or instructors. Accommodations received in postsecondary education may differ from those received in secondary education. Accommodations change the way the student is instructed. Students with disabilities may need accommodations in such areas as instructional methods and materials, assignments and assessments, time demands and schedules, learning environment, assistive technology and special communication systems. Documentation of the accommodations requested and provided should be maintained in a confidential file.

Note: postsecondary curriculum and regulated secondary programs cannot be modified.

Additional Resources

For additional information regarding articulation agreements, Bright Futures Scholarships, Fine Arts/Practical Arts Credit and Equivalent Mathematics and Equally Rigorous Science Courses please refer to:
http://www.fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/career-tech-edu/program-resources.stml