The Kingston Ophthalmic Training Centre’s diploma programs provide students with the theoretical knowledge, practical skills and experience needed to work competently, effectively and safely as an ophthalmic technician or ophthalmic medical technologist.
Program Details
We are based in the Queen’s Department of Ophthalmology at Kingston Health Sciences Centre in 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).
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.
Dr Newton Duarte
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 Kingston Ophthalmic Training Centre is a member of the International Council of Accreditation and is approved by the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology. Graduates of our program are eligible to write JCAHPO’s Ophthalmic Technician and Ophthalmic Medical Technologist certification exams. Certified graduates are eligible to work in both Canada and the U.S.A.
Courses
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:
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Applicants must have a high school diploma or high school equivalency certificate
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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.
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:
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Minimum of 2 years equivalent of post-secondary education (college or university)
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Completion of the KOTC ophthalmic technician program OR completion of another ophthalmic technician program
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Completion of PLA when required
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Students must be capable of providing adequate ophthalmic patient care
For more information, please click here.
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)
From all completed applications received by the posted deadline, the selection committee 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 until March 31, 2021.
- Interviews take place in April, with classes beginning in September.
Once I was accepted into the KOTC program in October 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 (First Year KOTC Student)