August 3, 2022

Triton College Offers Ophthalmic Technician Program

Triton College is offering ophthalmic technology, a growing, in-demand field, on its campus. Since the program is only offered at very few community colleges in Illinois, Triton is a desirable institution for the field.

Lisa Maas, Triton’s Ophthalmic Technician Program Chair, explained that an ophthalmic technician is a health career professional that works alongside an ophthalmologist (an eye doctor/surgeon), who specializes in eye disease and pathology.

“Technicians provide an explanation to the patients regarding their diagnosis, recommended treatment and can also assist in surgery,” she said.

Other responsibilities include gathering patient information and history, performing an initial eye exam, and any other required diagnostic tests that will assist the physician with a diagnosis and treatment plan. Maas feels the field is great for those who are outgoing, empathetic and have great communication skills.

At Triton, there are no prerequisite courses for the 60-credit-hour program. The program can be completed in five semesters, which is just under two years. Some courses include optics, ocular anatomy, ophthalmic procedures, ocular disease and three clinical practicum courses.

Unlike other health fields, there aren’t any mandatory certification board exams required to enter the workforce and it is not as competitive as other health fields.

Other advantages including working in a “clean” medicine field where students can assist patients with eye disease and pathology in hospitals, universities or private practice. Those who enter the field will have normal hours that provide a consistent schedule, with no on-call hours.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the Chicago metropolitan area in the Top Metropolitan Areas with Highest Level of Employment of Ophthalmic Technicians. The field is expected to grow 8 percent from 2019 through 2029.

Most ophthalmic technicians typically make $19-$21 per hour after graduation, but since the demand is so high, many are making more than $21 per hour.

“Triton’s lab is one of the best in the country and our faculty work in the industry as technicians,” said Maas, noting that Triton’s program has a good reputation for producing high trained technicians. “Students work with hands on training in the lab as well as clinical rotations with area ophthalmic practices.”

Please visit triton.edu/ophthalmic.

For more information, please contact lisamaas@triton.edu or (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3934.