2014 – 2015
Florida Department of Education
Curriculum Framework 

Program Title:	Ophthalmic Technician
Career Cluster:	Health Science

AS	
CIP Number	1351180301	
Program Type	College Credit	
Standard Length	72 credit hours	
CTSO	HOSA: Future Health Professionals	
SOC Codes (all applicable) 	29-2099 Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other
	
Targeted Occupation List	http://www.labormarketinfo.com/wec/TargetOccupationList.htm	
Perkins Technical Skill Attainment Inventory	http://www.fldoe.org/workforce/perkins/perkins_resources.asp 	
Statewide Articulation	http://www.fldoe.org/workforce/dwdframe/artic_frame.asp 	

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 ophthalmic technicians, optical goods workers SOC Code 29-2099 (Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other) or provide supplemental training for persons previously or presently employed in this occupation.

The content includes but is not limited to (1) to perform specified ophthalmologic tests and procedures with skill, (2) understand and practice the art of ophthalmologic assisting, thereby providing the patient with medical care of the highest quality and accuracy, (3) to become members of the health care team who contribute to the physical and psychological comfort of the patient, (4) to provide a system of quality assurance for both equipment and treatment delivery, (5) and to understand the importance of maintaining membership in the professional organizations and keeping abreast of the changes in the field of ophthalmology.

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 72 credit hours.

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	Demonstrate the taking of a medical history.
13.0	Demonstrate the performance of diagnostic tests.
14.0	Demonstrate anatomical and functional ocular measurements.
15.0	Demonstrate testing of ocular functions (including visual acuity and visual fields).
16.0	Demonstrate the administration of topical ophthalmic and oral medications.
17.0	Demonstrate the instruction of the patient in personal eye care and in the use of contact lenses.
18.0	Demonstrate the caring for and maintaining of ophthalmic instruments.
19.0	Demonstrate the caring for, maintaining and sterilizing of surgical instruments.
20.0	Demonstrate the maintaining of ophthalmic office equipment.
21.0	Demonstrate assisting in ophthalmic surgery in the office or hospital.
22.0	Demonstrate the taking of diagnostic measurements.
23.0	Demonstrate the fitting of contact lenses.
24.0	Demonstrate the adjusting and making of minor repairs on spectacles.
25.0	Describe other tasks as may be delegated consistent with sound medical practice (e.g. use of computerized ophthalmic equipment).

2014 – 2015
Florida Department of Education
Student Performance Standards

Program Title:	Ophthalmic Technician
CIP Number:		1351180301 
Program Length:	72 credit hours
SOC Code(s):		29-2099

The AS degree requires the inclusion of a minimum of 15 credits of general education coursework according to SACS, and it must be transferable according to Rule 6A-14.030 (2), F.A.C.  At the completion of this program, the student will be able to:	
01.0	Demonstrate knowledge of the healthcare delivery system and health occupations–The student will be able to:	
01.01	Identify the basic components of the healthcare delivery system including public, private, government and non-profit.	
01.02	Identify common methods of payment for healthcare services.	
01.03	Describe the various types of healthcare providers and the range of services available including resources to victims of domestic violence. 	
01.04	Describe the composition and functions of a healthcare team. 	
01.05	Identify the general roles and responsibilities of the   individual members of the healthcare team. 	
01.06	Identify the roles and responsibilities of the consumer within the healthcare delivery system. 	
01.07	Identify characteristics of effective teams. 	
01.08	Recognize methods for building positive team relationships.	
01.09	Analyze attributes and attitudes of an effective leader. 	
01.10	Recognize factors and situations that may lead to conflict.	
01.11	Demonstrate effective techniques for managing team conflict. 	
01.12	Describe factors that influence the current delivery system of healthcare.	
01.13	Explain the impact of emerging issues including technology, epidemiology, bioethics and socioeconomics on healthcare delivery systems. 	
02.0	Demonstrate the ability to communicate and use interpersonal skills effectively–The student will be able to:	
02.01	Develop basic speaking and active listening skills.	
02.02	Develop basic observational skills and related documentation strategies in written and oral form.	
02.03	Identify characteristics of successful and unsuccessful communication including communication styles and barriers. 	
02.04	Respond to verbal and non-verbal cues. 	
02.05	Compose written communication using correct spelling, grammar, a formatting and confidentiality and specific formats of letter writing.	
02.06	Use appropriate medical terminology and abbreviations. 	
02.07	Recognize the importance of courtesy and respect for patients and other healthcare workers and maintain good interpersonal relationships. 	
02.08	Recognize the importance of patient/client educations regarding healthcare. 	
02.09	Adapt communication skills to varied levels of understanding and cultural orientation including diverse age, cultural, economic, ethnic and religious groups. 	
02.10	Analyze elements of communication using a sender-receiver model.	
02.11	Distinguish between and report subjective and objective information. 	
02.12	Report relevant information in order of occurrence. 	
03.0	Demonstrate legal and ethical responsibilities–The student will be able to:	
03.01	Discuss the legal framework of the healthcare occupations including scope of practice legislation.	
03.02	Explain practices that could result in malpractice, liability, negligence, abandonment, false imprisonment and fraud. 	
03.03	Demonstrate procedures for accurate documentation and record keeping. 	
03.04	Interpret healthcare facility policy and procedures. 	
03.05	Explain the “Patient’s Bill of Rights”.	
03.06	Identify standards of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).	
03.07	Describe advance directives. 	
03.08	Describe informed consent. 	
03.09	Explain the laws governing harassment, labor and employment. 	
03.10	Differentiate between legal and ethical issues in healthcare.	
03.11	Describe a code of ethics consistent with the healthcare occupation. 	
03.12	Identify and compare personal, professional, and organizational ethics. 	
03.13	Recognize the limits of authority and responsibility of health care workers including legislated scope of practice 	
03.14	Recognize and report illegal and/or unethical practices of healthcare workers. 	
03.15	Recognize and report abuse including domestic violence and neglect. 	
03.16	Distinguish among the five schedules of controlled substances.	
04.0	Demonstrate an understanding of and apply wellness and disease concepts–The student will be able to:	
04.01	Describe strategies for prevention of diseases including health screenings and examinations. 	
04.02	Identify personal health practices and environmental factors which affect optimal function of each of the major body systems.	
04.03	Identify psychological reactions to illness including defense mechanisms. 	
04.04	Identify complementary and alternative health practices. 	
04.05	Discuss the adverse effects of the use of alcohol, tobacco, and both legal and illegal drugs on the human body and apply safety practices related to these and other high risk behaviors. 	
04.06	Explain the basic concepts of positive self image, wellness and stress. 	
04.07	Develop a wellness and stress control plan that can be used in personal and professional life. 	
04.08	Explore and utilize the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s MyPlate food guide (www.choosemyplate.gov).	
04.09	Recognize the steps in the grief process. 	
05.0	Recognize and practice safety and security procedures–The student will be able to:	
05.01	Recognize safe and unsafe working conditions and report safety hazards. 	
05.02	Demonstrate the safe use of medical equipment.	
05.03	Explain and apply the theory of root- cause analysis.  	
05.04	Identify and describe methods in medical error reduction and prevention in the various healthcare settings. 	
05.05	Identify and practice security procedures for medical supplies and equipment. 	
05.06	Demonstrate personal safety procedures based on Occupations Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) regulations (including standard precautions). 	
05.07	Recognize Materials Data Safety Sheets (MSDS) and comply with safety signs, symbols and labels. 	
05.08	Demonstrate proper body mechanics and ergonomics. 	
05.09	Demonstrate the procedure for properly identifying patients. 	
05.10	Demonstrate procedures for the safe transport and transfer of patients. 	
05.11	Describe fire, safety, disaster and evacuations procedures. 	
05.12	Discuss The Joint Commission patient safety goals (www.jointcommission.org). 	
06.0	Recognize and respond to emergency situations–The student will be able to:	
06.01	Monitor and record vital signs.	
06.02	Describe legal parameters relating to the administration of emergency care. 	
06.03	Obtain and maintain training or certification on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), automated external defibrillator (AED), foreign body airway obstruction (FBAO) and first aid. 	
06.04	Recognize adverse drug related emergencies and take appropriate first aid action. 	
07.0	Recognize and practice infection control procedures–The student will be able to:	
07.01	Define principles of infection control including standard and transmission based precautions.	
07.02	Demonstrate knowledge of medical asepsis and practice procedures such as hand-washing and isolation. 	
07.03	Demonstrate knowledge of surgical asepsis. 	
07.04	Describe how to dispose correctly of biohazardous materials according to appropriate government guidelines such as OSHA. 	
08.0	Demonstrate an understanding of information technology applications in healthcare–The student will be able to:	
08.01	Describe technology applications in healthcare. 	
08.02	Define terms and demonstrate basic computer skills. 	
08.03	Recognize technology applications in healthcare. 	
08.04	Interpret information from electronic medical documents. 	
08.05	Identify methods of communication to access and distribute data such as fax, e-mail and internet. 	
09.0	Demonstrate employability skills–The student will be able to:	
09.01	Identify personal traits or attitudes desirable in a member of the healthcare team. 	
09.02	Exemplify basic professional standards of healthcare workers as they apply to hygiene, dress, language, confidentiality and behavior (i.e. telephone etiquette, courtesy and self-introductions). 	
09.03	Identify documents that may be required when applying for a job. 	
09.04	Write an appropriate resume. 	
09.05	Conduct a job search. 	
09.06	Complete a job application form correctly.	
09.07	Examine levels of education, credentialing requirements including licensure and certification, employment opportunities, workplace environments and career growth potential. 	
09.08	Recognize levels of education, credentialing requirements, employment opportunities, workplace environments and career growth potential. 	
09.09	Identify acceptable work habits. 	
09.10	Recognize appropriate affective/professional behavior. 	
09.11	Compare careers within the health science career pathways (diagnostic services, therapeutic services, health informatics, support services or biotechnology research and development). 	
10.0	Demonstrate knowledge of blood borne diseases, including HIV/AIDS–The student will be able to:	
10.01	Recognize emerging diseases and disorders.	
10.02	Distinguish between fact and fallacy about the transmission and treatment of diseases caused by blood borne pathogens including Hepatitis B.	
10.03	Identify community resources and services available to the individuals with diseases caused by blood borne pathogens.	
10.04	Identify "at risk" behaviors which promote the spread of diseases caused by blood borne pathogens and the public education necessary to combat the spread of these diseases.	
10.05	Apply infection control techniques designed to prevent the spread of diseases caused by blood borne pathogens to the care of all patients following Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines.	
10.06	Demonstrate knowledge of the legal aspects of HIV/AIDS, including testing.	
11.0	Apply basic math and science skills–The student will be able to:	
11.01	Draw, read, and report on graphs, charts and tables.	
11.02	Measure time, temperature, distance, capacity, and mass/weight.	
11.03	Make, use and convert using both traditional and metric units. 	
11.04	Make estimations and approximations and judge the reasonableness of the result.	
11.05	Convert from regular to 24 hour time.	
11.06	Demonstrate ability to evaluate and draw conclusions.	
11.07	Organize and communicate the results obtained by observation and experimentation.	
11.08	Ask appropriate scientific questions and recognize what is involved in experimental approaches to the solution of such questions.	
11.09	Calculate ratios. 	
Ophthalmic Technician:  Students completing standards 12-25 meet the qualifications for Ophthalmic Technicians (Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other)	
12.0	Demonstrate the taking of a medical history–The student will be able to:	
12.01	Communicate effectively in written and oral communications.	
12.02	Use appropriate medical terminology in recording the medical history.	
12.03	Maintain patient confidentiality.	
12.04	Maintain applicable ethical and legal standards.	
12.05	Identify body structures and describe the physiological processes of the eye.	
13.0	Demonstrate the performance of diagnostic tests–The student will be able to:	
13.01	Perform competently within the scope of training and education.	
13.02	Accept responsibility for professional actions.	
14.0	Demonstrate anatomical and functional ocular measurements–The student will be able to:	
14.01	Describe the principles of human physiology.	
14.02	Identify and describe tissues and cellular structures of the eye.	
14.03	Apply the correct medical terminology to body structures and functions of the eye.	
14.04	Identify cause and effect of the most common pathological conditions of each body system as they relate to the eye.	
15.0	Demonstrate testing of ocular functions (including visual acuity and visual fields)–The student will be able to:	
15.01	Describe the interaction of light, lenses, laws of optics.	
15.02	Describe optical properties of the human eye.	
15.03	Measure objectively and subjectively the refractive state of the eye.	
16.0	Demonstrate the administration of topical ophthalmic and oral medications–The student will be able to:	
16.01	Identify commonly administered drugs, their uses and effects upon the human body.	
16.02	Identify the correct abbreviations and terminology relating to pharmaceutical preparations.	
16.03	Identify the various routes of drug administration.	
16.04	Describe the legal records necessary for the administration and dispensing of drugs by the physician.	
16.05	Describe the ethical standards necessary for the administration and dispensing of drugs by the physician.	
16.06	Administer and record specified topical and oral medications at the direction of the physician and in accordance with medical standards.	
16.07	Identify security procedures of medications as regulated by law.	
16.08	Describe appropriate procedures for the disposition of medications and clinical supplies in reference of shelf-life expectancies and/or expiration dates.	
17.0	Demonstrate the instruction of the patient in personal eye care and in the use of contact lenses–The student will be able to:	
17.01	Instruct the patient in the correct methods of insertion and removal of the contact lenses.	
17.02	Instruct the patient in the appropriate methods of daily care of the eye and the contact lenses.	
18.0	Demonstrate the caring for and maintaining of ophthalmic instruments–The student will be able to:	
18.01	Describe the fundamental principles of the maintenance, inventory control, and ordering of ophthalmic instruments.	
18.02	Maintain a clinic inventory of the instruments.	
18.03	Describe the appropriate safety/security procedures for the instruments.	
19.0	Demonstrate the caring for, maintaining and sterilizing of surgical instruments–The student will be able to:	
19.01	Describe the fundamentals of microbial control.	
19.02	Describe procedures for sterilization, disinfection and sanitation.	
19.03	Describe methods for control of infection and prevention of contamination in the medical facility.	
19.04	Describe the appropriate procedure for the handling of contaminated equipment and supplies.	
19.05	Describe the appropriate method for disposal of contaminated materials.	
19.06	Describe and accurately perform handwashing techniques.	
19.07	Implement appropriate The Joint Commission patient safety goals.	
20.0	Demonstrate the maintaining of ophthalmic office equipment–The student will be able to:	
20.01	Describe the fundamental principles of the maintenance, inventory control, and ordering of ophthalmic supplies and equipment.	
20.02	Maintain and inventory of office equipment.	
20.03	Apply appropriate safety/security procedures for equipment.	
20.04	Perform quality assurance procedures on all clinical equipment.	
20.05	Describe and perform appropriate maintenance programs for various ophthalmic equipment.	
21.0	Demonstrate assisting in ophthalmic surgery in the office or hospital–The student will be able to:	
21.01	Describe the fundamentals of microbial control.	
21.02	Describe the procedures for sanitation, disinfection, and sterilization.	
21.03	Describe methods for infection control and prevention of contamination in the medical facility.	
21.04	Describe procedures for safe handling of contaminated equipment and supplies.	
21.05	Describe the appropriate method and demonstrate appropriate handwashing techniques.	
21.06	Describe the appropriate method for creating and maintaining sterile fields for dressings and minor surgery.	
21.07	Describe the correct methods for disposal of contaminated materials.	
21.08	Describe the appropriate methods for sterilizing and preparing surgical instruments.	
21.09	Maintain and use aseptic technique when applicable.	
21.10	Prepare the examination and treatment in accordance with the appropriate sterile or aseptic technique.	
21.11	Describe the appropriate methods of assisting the physician with various minor office surgical procedures.	
22.0	Demonstrate the taking of diagnostic measurements–The student will be able to:	
22.01	Describe the fundamentals of extraocular muscle balance and binocular vision.	
22.02	Test ductions and versions.	
22.03	Perform cover tests.	
22.04	Perform basic tests to evaluate binocular vision.	
22.05	Perform tonometry.	
22.06	Perform anterior and posterior photography.	
22.07	Perform manual and automated corneal measurements.	
22.08	Perform A and B Scan ultrasound.	
23.0	Demonstrate the fitting of contact lenses–The student will be able to:	
23.01	Describe the principles and utilization of hard, soft and gas permeable lenses.	
23.02	Perform the fitting and evaluation of contact lenses.	
23.03	Provide patient education relative to wearing and maintaining contact lenses.	
24.0	Demonstrate the adjusting and making of minor repairs on spectacles–The student will be able to:	
24.01	Describe the principles of ophthalmic patient services.	
24.02	Make simple and minor repairs to spectacles such temple adjustments and adjustment of the nose piece.	
24.03	Adjust the spectacles to patient comfort.	
25.0	Describe other tasks as may be delegated consistent with sound medical practice (e.g.  use of computerized ophthalmic equipment)–The student will be able to:	
25.01	Describe the appropriate application of various tests and procedures.	
25.02	Recognize any deviation from the normal test results.	
25.03	Describe procedures for collecting, labeling, preserving, staining and culturing of specimens from patients with ocular problems.	
25.04	Give appropriate instructions to patients.	

Additional Information

Laboratory Activities

Laboratory activities are an integral part of this program.  These activities include instruction in the use of safety procedures, tools, equipment, materials, and processes related to these occupations.  Equipment and supplies should be provided to enhance hands-on experiences for students. 

Clinical education has been established for students in this program to permit accurate assessment of the knowledge, skills, and abilities of students in the clinical component of the program.  After completion of the prerequisite practice of ophthalmic assisting procedures, students indicate to the faculty their readiness for evaluation of competence in a specific competency category/procedure.

Multiple affiliates are utilized for the clinical activities which provide equitable opportunities for the student to achieve the program clinical objectives.  The resulting clinical rotations provide students with the technical skills for the ophthalmic medical technician.

Special Notes

The program is designed to provide the medical community of ophthalmology with workers who, under the supervision of an ophthalmologist, aid in the treatment of eye conditions and diseases.  The curriculum provides students an opportunity to develop technical and social skills through experiences in the clinic, classroom, and laboratory.  The Health Careers Core must be taken by all students (secondary, postsecondary adult and postsecondary vocational) planning to complete any Health Occupations program.  Once successfully completed, the core does not need to be repeated at any instructional level.

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. 

Outcomes 01-11 are referred to as the Health Careers Core and do not have to be completed if the student has previously completed the Core in another health science program.  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.

Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO)

HOSA: Future Health Professionals is the appropriate career and technical student organization for 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.  The activities of such organizations are defined as part of the curriculum in accordance with Rule 6A-6.065, F.A.C.

Accommodations

Federal and state legislation requires the provision of accommodations for students with disabilities as identified on the secondary student’s Individual Educational Plan (IEP) or 504 plan or postsecondary student’s accommodations’ plan 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.

Articulation

To be transferable statewide between institutions, this program must have been reviewed, and a “transfer value” assigned the curriculum content by the appropriate Statewide Course Numbering System discipline committee.  This does not preclude institutions from developing specific articulation agreements with each other. 

For details on articulation agreements which correlate to programs and industry certifications refer to http://www.fldoe.org/workforce/dwdframe/artic_frame.asp .

Program Length

The AS degree requires the inclusion of a minimum of 15 credits of general education coursework according to SACS, and it must be transferable according to Rule 6A-14.030 (2), F.A.C.  The standard length of this program is 72 credit hours according to Rule 6A-14.030, F.A.C.

Certificate Programs

A College Credit Certificate consists of a program of instruction of less than sixty (60) credits of college-level courses, which is part of an AS or AAS degree program and prepares students for entry into employment (Rule 6A-14.030, F.A.C.).  This AS degree program includes the following College Credit Certificates:

Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician (0351100600) – 24 Credit Hours
Eye Care Technician (0351180302) – 48 Credit Hours

Standards for the above certificate programs are contained in separate curriculum frameworks.