The delivery of quality healthcare is the responsibility of a team of professionals working in concert with patients and their families. In response to this dynamic, the Southern California Eye Institute has established the Ophthalmic Technician Education Program (OTEP) with the mission to prepare highly skilled allied health professionals committed to serving the eye care needs of individuals of all ages. Ophthalmic Technicians conduct various tests and procedures that inform ophthalmologists in the diagnosis and treatment of eye and vision conditions.

Ophthalmic technicians work closely with patients and their families to help them understand their vision conditions and assure compliance with treatment protocols. OTEP students have the unique opportunity to pair their coursework with clinical experience. If you are interested in healthcare, enjoy working as a member of a professional team, and want to have a positive impact on quality of life issues, you should consider becoming an ophthalmic technician. For any questions regarding the OTEP program, please contact OTEP Coordinator, Dr. Carlos Lastra Gonzalez, at carlos.lastra@sceyes.org.

Description of the Ophthalmic Technician Education Program (OTEP)

The Ophthalmic Technician Training Program at the Southern California Eye Institute is a 12-month educational and workforce training program that prepares ophthalmic medical personnel to assist ophthalmologists in the prevention, detection, and treatment of vision impairments. The comprehensive curriculum integrates core academic knowledge with supervised clinical training to provide graduates with a pathway to a career as certified ophthalmic technicians. As part of OTEPs commitment to fostering well-rounded professionals, students participate in outreach activities whereby the broader public is informed about eye health issues and OTEP students gain further practice in technical, interpersonal and communication skills.

OTEP is a non-degree program that awards graduates a Certificate of Completion by the Southern California Eye Institute. OTEP is dedicated to the highest standards of training and is fully accredited by the International Council of Accreditation* (ICA). Graduates interested in becoming certified ophthalmic technicians (COT) must pass examinations offered by the International Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (IJCAHPO). For more information about ICA and IJCAHPO please visit the respective websites: icaccreditation.org and jcahpo.org/.

Hybrid Learning Model

OTEP is delivered through a hybrid format that combines live online instruction with in-person clinical training.

Online Didactic Education

All academic coursework is conducted through scheduled virtual classes. This format allows students to participate from anywhere in California with access to the cloud-based video conferencing platform Zoom.

OTEP didactic courses are offered online on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6 PM to 8 PM. Lectures are augmented with simulations and activities that allow students to become familiar with and learn how to perform ophthalmic procedures and tests expected of ophthalmic technicians. This practice builds confidence so that students are more comfortable working in a clinical setting.

Lectures will be recorded and made available to students one day after their online presentation.

OTEP Curriculum

Clinical Training

Students complete 750 supervised clinical hours either:

• At Southern California Eye Institute (SCEI), or
• At an approved Sponsoring Clinic in their local community.

Because classroom instruction is online and clinical training occurs locally, students can remain in their community while completing the program.

Clinical Training Options Details:

OTEP offers two options for clinical training:

Option 1: Clinical Training at SCEI

Students can complete their clinical hours at the Southern California Eye Institute (SCEI) under the supervision of affiliated ophthalmologists and clinical faculty. It is important to note that students who choose this option are not considered employees of SCEI and do not receive any compensation.

Option 2: Sponsoring Clinic Model (For Employed Students)

OTEP welcomes applicants who are currently employed in ophthalmology practices and wish to complete their clinical hours at their place of employment. This pathway is a vital part of our program, allowing students to receive structured educational training while continuing to work in the field.

Requirements for the Sponsoring Clinic Option

To ensure proper supervision and educational quality, the following criteria must be met:

• Clinical Sponsorship: The employer must agree to serve as the student’s Sponsoring Clinic for the duration of the 12-month program.
• Ophthalmologist Supervision: A licensed ophthalmologist at the clinic must oversee the student’s clinical training.
• Memorandum of Understanding (MOU): The supervising ophthalmologist must sign a formal Memorandum of Understanding with OTEP outlining:
• Scope of clinical training
• Supervision structure
• Required skill competencies
• Evaluation responsibilities
• Communication with OTEP faculty
• Site Evaluation and Approval: OTEP will review the clinic to ensure it:
• Offers a range of ophthalmic services consistent with curriculum requirements
• Has essential ophthalmic equipment
• Demonstrates commitment to progressive skill development
• Clinic Identification Prior to Acceptance: Applicants pursuing this pathway must identify and secure a Sponsoring Clinic before formal acceptance. Admission under this pathway is contingent upon clinical site approval and completion of the MOU.

Ophthalmic Technician Occupational Employment and Wages in California and select metropolitan areas, May 2022 (from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Program Cost

Upon acceptance into the program, a $500.00 non-refundable deposit must be made to secure your position. This fee is not applied towards tuition.

Tuition is $4200.00 for the 12-month program. Payment plans are available. Financial aid is not available, but students may apply for personal loans or search for available scholarships.

Graduation Requirements

OTEP is an educational and workforce training program that prepares highly skilled and compassionate ophthalmic technicians to become key members of the eyecare team. To successfully complete the program and graduate from OTEP, students must:

1. Achieve a minimum of 70 % in all OTEP didactic courses
2. Attend a minimum of 80% of each online course sessions
3. Achieve a passing grade in all clinical rotations
4. Complete 750 hours of supervised clinical training
5. Participate in 5 hours of community outreach activities
6. Abide by OTEP’s Code of Professional Conduct

Students who meet the above requirements will be awarded a Certificate of Completion by the Southern California Eye Institute.

Important Dates

Program dates: July 7, 2026 - June 25, 2027
Winter break: December 18, 2026 - January 11, 2027
Application deadline: May 22, 2026

To Apply to OTEP

Print out an application from the link below, read instructions carefully, complete all sections, sign and date. Application materials must be sent electronically to carlos.lastra@sceyes.org

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Upon receipt and review of all application materials, an admissions committee will invite qualified candidates for virtual interviews.

The Ophthalmic Technician Education Program at the Southern California Eye Institute does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or disabilities in its admission policies.