Ophthalmic Medical Technician Program at ATCC MN

We're excited to share this article co-authored by the Ophthalmic Medical Technician (OPMT) Program's Medical Director, Dr. Keith Carlson and Program Director, Kimberly Barblock. In this article, they discuss the growing need for skilled ophthalmic technicians and how the hybrid-online OPMT program at Alexandria Technical and Community College is addressing this challenge.

Eye Tech Talk: Retinoscopy ??? Today’s Eye Tech Talk introduces a key skill in vision assessment: Retinoscopy. ?? Retinoscopy is a technique used to measure how light reflects off the retina to determine a patient’s refractive error (AKA: prescription). By shining a light into the eye and observing the reflection, ophthalmic technicians can assess whether a patient is nearsighted, farsighted, or has astigmatism. This skill is particularly useful when working with patients who are unable to communicate their visual needs, such as young children or non-verbal patients, and is another distinguishing skill of an ophthalmic technician trained at the intermediate, COT, level. At Alexandria Technical & Community College, our Ophthalmic Medical Technician Program provides hands-on training in retinoscopy, a critical tool for technicians aiming for COT-level expertise. ????? Interested in mastering the art of retinoscopy and other advanced ophthalmic skills techniques? Join us today! https://lnkd.in/dzv6brb4 #EyeTechTalk #OPMTEyeTechTalk #Retinoscopy #RefractiveError #OphthalmicTechnician #COTSkills #EyeCare #OphthalmicTechnicians #EyeCareTechnicians #OnlineLearning #ATCC #OPMTProgramATCC #OphthalmicMedicalTechnicianProgramATCC #ClearVisionBrightFutures #EducatingOphthalmicTechnicians

Honoring Our Veterans on Veterans Day Today, the Ophthalmic Medical Technician Program at Alexandria Technical & Community College proudly recognizes the courage, commitment, and sacrifices of our veterans. We honor those who have served and those who continue to serve our country with resilience and dedication. To our veteran students, alumni, and faculty members, thank you for your service. Your experiences enrich our community, and we are grateful for the strength you bring to the field of eye care. #VeteransDay #ThankYouVeterans #OphthalmicMedicalTechnicianProgramATCC #ClearVisionBrightFutures #EducatingOphthalmicTechnicians #ATCCMN

**Meet Tajay McDonald** Our latest blog post shines a spotlight on Tajay McDonald, a second-year student in the Ophthalmic Medical Technician (OPMT) program at Alexandria Technical & Community College. Tajay has made the Dean’s List in her first two semesters while balancing the demands of a busy home life—an impressive achievement that speaks to her resilience and dedication. In an insightful interview, Tajay shares her journey into the field of eye care and discusses what it’s like to be in the OPMT program. She also offers invaluable study tips for fellow students via video. Her story is inspiring for anyone considering a career in ophthalmology or juggling school with family and work commitments. Get inspired by Tajay’s journey and her practical advice for thriving in this rigorous program. Read the full interview here: https://bit.ly/48Dndjm #StudentSpotlight #ATCC #OPMTProgramATCC #OphthalmicMedicalTechnicianProgramATCC #ClearVisionBrightFutures #EducatingOphthalmicTechnicians

**Calling all high school graduates!** OPMT Program Skills Lab Instructor and Clinical Rotation Supervisor, Kimi Bragdon, wishes she found this career path as an ophthalmic technician sooner, and encourages high school graduates to join the Ophthalmic Medical Technician Program at ATCC to start their journey in eye care today. Learn about her career journey in this video: https://bit.ly/4fdksb3 #OphthalmicTechnicianTrainingProgram #HealthcareCareers #EyeCareCareers #OphthalmicTechnicians #EyeCareTechnicians #OphthalmicMedicalTechnicianProgramATCC #ClearVisionBrightFutures #EducatingOphthalmicTechnicians

Today, instructors from the Ophthalmic Medical Technician program at ATCC attended the HOSA Future Health Professionals event to inspire the next generation of eye care professionals! ????? They engaged with students, shared insights on what it’s like to be an ophthalmic technician and led hands-on activities to bring awareness to this rewarding career path. #HOSA #FutureHealthcareProfessionals #OphthalmicTechnicianProgramATCC #ClearVisionBrightFutures #EducatingOphthalmicTechnicians

?? Happy Halloween from the Ophthalmic Medical Technician Program at Alexandria Technical & Community College! ?? Have a safe and healthy holiday and don’t forget to protect those peepers by avoiding non-prescription costume contact lenses. ??

?? Ophthalmic Medical Technicians Wear Many Hats! ?? ?? Hat #8: Photographer Ophthalmic medical technicians play a vital role as photographers, capturing detailed images of the eye that are crucial for detecting and treating eye diseases, especially retinal conditions. At the Ophthalmic Medical Technician Program at ATCC, we train our students to use advanced imaging equipment, like OCT and fundus cameras, to assist ophthalmologists in diagnosing and monitoring eye health. Through hands-on experience during their clinical rotations and in the OPMT course Ophthalmic Imaging Techniques, our students gain valuable experience in diagnostic imaging, helping ensure patients receive timely and accurate care. *Stay tuned to discover the many other hats that ophthalmic medical technicians wear daily!* Learn more about our unique, hybrid-online program and start your journey toward a rewarding career in healthcare: https://lnkd.in/dzv6brb4 #OphthalmicTechniciansWearManyHats #EyeTechsWearManyHats #OphthalmicImaging #RetinalPhotography #OnlineLearning #OphthalmicTechnicians #EyeTechnicians #OphthalmicStaffingSolutions #OPMTProgramATCC #ATCC #OphthalmicMedicalTechnicianProgramATCC #ClearVisionBrightFutures #EducatingOphthalmicTechnicians

?? New Blog Alert! ?? Did you know the career path of an Ophthalmic Medical Technician can extend beyond the patient exam room? After gaining clinical experience and earning your COT certification, doors open to exciting opportunities in research, industry, education, and management. Discover the wide range of career paths experienced OMTs can pursue in our latest blog post! ??? Read more here: https://bit.ly/3YlVK15 #OphthalmicTechnician #COTCertification #EyeCareCareers #OPMTProgramBlog #HealthcareOpportunities #ATCC #OPMTProgramATCC #OphthalmicMedicalTechnicanProgramATCC #ClearVisionBrightFutures #EducatingOphthalmicTechnicians

Eye Tech Talk: Lensometry ???? In today’s Eye Tech Talk, we’re focusing on an important term for ophthalmic medical technicians: Lensometry. ?? Lensometry is the process of using a lensmeter, which is a device used to measure the prescription in eyeglasses. The lensmeter helps determine the dioptric power of the lens, including sphere, cylinder, and axis. It can also be used to determine the optical center and amount of prism in a lens. There are both manual and automated versions of lensmeters. Knowing how to use the manual version of a lensmeter is a distinguishing skill of an ophthalmic technician trained at the intermediate, COT, level. At Alexandria Technical & Community College, our Ophthalmic Medical Technician Program teaches students both manual and automated lensometry techniques, giving them an edge in the field. ????? Ready to sharpen your skills and help others see clearly? Learn more about our unique, hybrid-online program and start your journey in eye care today! ?https://lnkd.in/dzv6brb4 #EyeTechTalk #OphthalmicTechnician #Lensometry #Lensmeter #COTSkills #EyeCare #OPMTEyeTechTalk #OphthalmicTechnicians #OphthalmicStaffingSolutions #EyeCareTechnicians #OnlineLearning #ATCC #OPMTProgramATCC #OphthalmicMedicalTechnicianProgramATCC #ClearVisionBrightFutures #EducatingOphthalmicTechnicians