I would highly recommend the KOTC Program to anyone looking to pursue a career in healthcare. The combination of personalised instruction, extensive clinical experience, and a supportive learning environment makes it an outstanding opportunity for those fortunate enough to be selected. One of the most distinctive aspects of the program is its highly selective nature, with only 2–3 students accepted each year. This small cohort creates an exceptional learning environment where students receive individualized attention, mentorship, and support throughout the program.

—Hannah Brinklow

Registration now open for 2027–2028!

Classes starting: September 2027.

Apply Now

Program Details

We are based in the Kingston Health Sciences Department of Ophthalmology, 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).

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.

Ashley Alexander

Program Coordinator

T: 613-544-3400x3509

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.

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 Spring, 2027
Classes begin in September 2027

KOTC Application

Please note: The KOTC is not a Queen's University Program; it is run out of the Kingston Health Sciences Department of Ophthalmology, which is affiliated with the Queen's University Department of Ophthalmology. Primary instructors are KHSC staff and technicians, with supplementary instruction but Queen's Ophthalmology faculty.

Kingston Ophthalmic Training Centre

Registration now open for 2027–2028!

Classes starting: September 2027.

Program Details

Ashley Alexander

Programs

Ophthalmic Technician Course

Course Prerequisites

Ophthalmic Medical Technologist Course

Course Prerequisites

Application Process

Application Process

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