EVMS Ophthalmic Technology Program

Overview

Ophthalmic Technology is a critical specialty in the eye health care team. An Ophthalmic Technologist collects data and performs special testing to aid the Ophthalmologist in diagnosis and treatment of the patient. Ophthalmic Technology lends itself to various avenues of specialization:

Ophthalmic Photography
Ophthalmic Ultrasonography
Contact Lens
Ophthalmic Surgical Assisting
Low-Vision Optics

A graduate of the program will be expected to have extensive knowledge of the ocular system, to be proficient in the operation of visual instrumentation, and to develop effective communication skills in working with patients. Well-paying career opportunities, including traditional ophthalmologic settings, teaching, research, business, and sales are available in the dynamic, yet under-supplied profession.

Educational Program

The Ophthalmic Technology Program at Eastern Virginia Medical School/Old Dominion University is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Ophthalmic Medical Programs (COA-OMP). The 22-month program begins in September of each year and trains individuals at the highest level of ophthalmic medical personnel. Our program is one of the few that grants college credits leading to a Bachelor of Science degree.

educational-program Since enrolling its first students in 1985, the Ophthalmic Technology Program at Eastern Virginia Medical School/Old Dominion University has gained a reputation for high quality graduates. Our graduates often place well above the national average on the national written board exams given by the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO). For the last five years, one hundred percent of students taking the written exams have passed on the first attempt. Employment opportunities are outstanding for our graduates, who are often recruited early in the last semester, prior to June graduation.

Tuition and Financial Aid

The Ophthalmic Technology Program follows Old Dominion University's tuition fee schedule. For more information, please visit the Web site, http://www.odu.edu/af/finaid.

Housing and the Surrounding Area

Eastern Virginia Medical School and Old Dominion University are located in Norfolk, Virginia. The area known as "Hampton Roads" includes: Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, and Suffolk. This area is alive with history and tourist attractions. The Virginia Beach resort area and the Atlantic Ocean are less then 30 minutes from Norfolk. Historic Williamsburg and Busch Gardens are about 90 minutes away, and Washington D.C. can be reached in three hours. Nags Head and the Outer Banks of North Carolina can be easily reached in less then two hours. The area is served by major airlines through two airports.

Click here for more information about the area.

The Application Process

Formal admission to Old Dominion University is a requirement for admission to the Ophthalmic Technology Program. For application and financial aid information, contact:

Office of Admissions/ODU
Norfolk, Virginia 23528-0050
(757) 683-3637

Prospective students should apply to the Ophthalmic Technology Program concurrent with the application to Old Dominion University. These are two separate applications. Apply on-line for the Ophthalmic Technology Program from this Web site.

Prerequisites (transfer and ODU students): two years of college (60 credits including background in the sciences). Prerequisites are waived for those holding a BS/BA degree. If you have questions, contact Lori Williams using the contact information at the top of this page.
Using the form provided within the on-line application system, submit three letters of recommendation.
Submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, sent by the registrar at those institutions.
A personal interview completes the application process. We conduct personal interviews January through May for placement in September's class.

The application deadline for priority consideration is April 1.

Official transcripts should be mailed to the Director of Enrollment for Health Professions at the address shown below. If you experience technical difficulties or related problems in completing your online application, please contact:

Rose Mwayungu
Director of Enrollment for Health Professions
Attn: Ophthalmic Technology Program
Eastern Virginia Medical School
700 W. Olney Road
Norfolk, VA 23507-1607

Tel: (757) 446-7153/7096
Fax: (757) 446-8915
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For more information, please contact:

Lori J. Williams, COMT
Director, Ophthalmic Technology Program
Lions Center for Sight
600 Gresham Drive
Norfolk, VA 23507

Tel: (757) 388-3747
Fax: (757) 388-0292
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