Registration now open for 2025–2026!

Classes starting: September 2025.

Program Details

We are based in the Queen’s Department of Ophthalmology at the Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Hotel Dieu site, in beautiful downtown Kingston, Ontario. We offer a unique ophthalmic training experience, consisting of an Ophthalmic Technician diploma program (10 months), followed by the option to complete an Ophthalmic Medical Technologist diploma program (10 months).

Dr Newton Duarte

Program Coordinator

T: 613-544-3400x3509

Email

Students will study content areas specific to allied ophthalmic medical personnel, but will also attend the Queen’s ophthalmology residency lectures and the Department of Ophthalmology grand rounds to help round out their didactic education.

Being based in a busy hospital eye clinic, our programs feature an unparalleled hands-on clinical experience. This unique learning environment consists of supervised time seeing patients in a variety of sub-specialty clinics and ophthalmic diagnostic areas. Graduates will possess the knowledge and applicable skills required to enter the workforce as proficient members of the eye care team.

The KOTC is a member of the International Council of Accreditation and is approved by the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO). Graduates of our program are eligible to write JCAHPO’s Ophthalmic Technician (OT) and Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (OMT) certification exams. Certified graduates are eligible to work in both Canada and the U.S.A.

Hailey Simpson

Clinical Coordinator

Apply Now

Once I was accepted into the KOTC program in 2020, my main concern at that time was for my safety and the protocols in place for COVID-19 at Hotel Dieu, along with what this course would be like for the next year. However, from the moment I started at the hospital I have never felt more protected. This is because there is screening for every person—staff and patients alike—who comes into the hospital, fully equipped PPE for the staff, and fewer patient bookings in place—all of which make the hospital setting a very safe and welcoming environment during a pandemic. As someone who works with the public constantly, the hospital feels like one of the safest places to be!

- Sadi Grant (2021 OT graduate, current OMT student)

Programs

Ophthalmic Technician Course

The ophthalmic technician (OT) program is a 10-month, full-time program providing students with the required knowledge and skills to fully integrate into an ophthalmology practice as an ophthalmic technician. During the program the students attend KOTC classes specific to ophthalmic technicians but also attend the ophthalmology residency lectures and the Department of Ophthalmology grand rounds to help round out their didactic education. The clinical experience consists of supervised time seeing patients in a variety of sub-specialty areas and ophthalmic diagnostic areas giving them the maximum exposure to the profession.

Course Prerequisites

Enrollment into the ophthalmic technician program is by competitive application. Below are the minimum requirements:

Applicants must have a high school diploma or high school equivalency certificate
Students must be capable of providing adequate ophthalmic patient care
Previous experience in the eye care field will be considered

For more information, please click here.

Ophthalmic Medical Technologist Course

The ophthalmic medical technologist (OMT) program builds on the foundations of the ophthalmic technician program focusing on advanced ophthalmic diagnostic procedures., It is a 10-month, full time program after the completion of the ophthalmic technician program. OMT students will continue with their clinical experience while learning advanced ophthalmic skills including ophthalmic ultrasound, advanced ophthalmic imaging skills, and electrophysiology

Course Prerequisites

Enrollment into the ophthalmic medical technologist program is by competitive application. Below are the minimum requirements:

Minimum of 2 years equivalent of post-secondary education (college or university)
Completion of the KOTC ophthalmic technician program OR completion of another ophthalmic technician program
Completion of PLA when required
Students must be capable of providing adequate ophthalmic patient care

For more information, please click here.

About the profession

About Our Program

Application Process

Enrollment into the technician program is by competitive application. Please download the application form below. A completed application must include the following:

Completed and signed application
Essay
Copy of educational transcripts (originals are not required)

The selection committee will review all completed applications received by the posted deadline, and will produce a list of candidates who will be offered interviews. Positions into the program will be offered to the selected candidates from the interview pool.

Important application dates:

Accepting applications throughout the year
Interviews take place in April/May, 2025
Classes begin in September 2025

Download Application Form

Download Application Form (doc)

Kingston Ophthalmic Training Centre

Registration now open for 2025–2026!

Classes starting: September 2025.

Program Details

Dr Newton Duarte

Hailey Simpson

Programs

Ophthalmic Technician Course

Course Prerequisites

Ophthalmic Medical Technologist Course

Course Prerequisites

Application Process

Application Process

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