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INTRODUCTION
The Ophthalmic Technologist who works in the Northwest Territories takes on a
significant responsibility. First of all, ophthalmic techs who work in the Northwest
Territories/Nunavut travel independently to remote communities to prescribe eyeglasses
and screen for eye disease. They must carry a high level of knowledge and practical
skill in order to be able to function in this capacity. It is the goal of the Stanton
Territorial Health Authority’s Ophthalmic Medical Technology Training Program to train
individuals to be able to take on this responsibility comfortably.
The Ophthalmic Medical Technology Training Program started out in 1978 as the
Ophthalmic Medical Technician Training Program. The ophthalmologist at the time, Dr.
Graham Gillan, recognized the need for more regular eye examinations for people living
in remote parts of the North. He realized that a single ophthalmologist could not
achieve this goal and decided to train technicians to be able to deliver primary eye care
in the Northwest Territories. Dr. Gillan knew that he would need techs that are highly
skilled and knowledgeable in the area of ophthalmology as well as having a strong base
in general medical knowledge. He decided to start a formal training program and
modeled it after the Ophthalmic Technician Program that was being offered by the
Canadian Military’s National Defense Medical Centre.
The Stanton OMTTP became accredited to the technologist level in 1992 under the
previous accreditation body (CoA-OMP). We consider the Stanton Program to be unique
for many different reasons. One of these is that ours is the only program that does not
require its students to have previous post-secondary education. The upside to this is
that people from all backgrounds have the opportunity to apply for the program. The
downside is that few of our graduates meet the requirements to write the certification
exam to the technologist level, as the certifying body (JCAHPO) states that applicants
must complete a program and have two years of post-secondary education. That being
said, our graduates score near the top on certification exams at the technician level and
the technologist level when they become eligible to write them.
The Stanton OMTTP is a single site program where the students have access to patients
all day, every day.
Having the program located in the Stanton Eye Clinic allows
students to see any rare cases that may come in and demonstrations can be performed
immediately after lecture material is taught.
There is a large volume of patients to provide the full spectrum of clinical material
necessary for training. Trainees accompany senior technicians/technologists on travel
clinics and learn to become very flexible by working in conditions less than that modern
ophthalmic office. The geography of the region served by the Stanton Eye Clinic is such
that self-reliance and sound judgments are necessary with all concerned in providing
health care because help is not “just around the corner”.
Ophthalmic Medical Technology Training Program
Stanton Territorial Health Authority
Eye Clinic
Yellowknife, NT CANADA
The Stanton Territorial Health Authority (STHA) Ophthalmic Medical Technology Training
Program (OMTTP) follows a 24-month curriculum, which trains people to perform certain
tests and duties under the supervision of an ophthalmologist. These roles include
taking medical histories, performing diagnostic tests, administering medications,
maintaining equipment, assisting in ophthalmic surgery, and prescribing correction for
refractive errors. These duties are required of those employed as Ophthalmic
Technicians and Technologists by the Stanton Territorial Health Authority. STHA
Ophthalmic Technicians and Technologists are based in the Yellowknife eye clinic but
also travel smaller communities in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut to deliver eye
care services.
Our program is designed to develop skills in ophthalmology, which enables the graduate
to work independently to gather medical information to assist the ophthalmologist in
making a diagnosis and determining treatment for eye disease. Core areas of study are
ophthalmic optics, refractometry, ophthalmic pharmacology, human anatomy and
physiology, ocular motility, ocular disorders and diseases, ophthalmic ultrasonography,
and ophthalmic photography.
One of the strengths of the Stanton OMTTP is that students are immersed into the clinic
from the outset of the program. The Stanton Territorial Health Authority Eye Clinic is a
stand-alone clinic separate from the hospital building. The training program is located in
the eye clinic building to facilitate easy access to patients for student learning.
Early in program students observe other technicians and technologists, gradually
accepting more duties in the clinic. As students approach the end of the program other
technicians and technologists do little more than observe and supervise the students.
Students are also required travel to smaller Northern communities to set up and work on
“travel clinics” along with an experienced technician or technologist.
Employment opportunities in this field of health care are excellent. Graduates of the
Stanton training program find jobs in the eye clinic in Yellowknife and with
ophthalmologists, hospitals, universities and surgery centres in other parts of the world.
Goals/Objectives of the Ophthalmic Medical Technologist Training Program
(OMTTP)
1. To provide adequate and high quality educational/clinical instruction to the
OMTTP students.
a. Students will respond with a high satisfaction rate with the quality of
instruction and the quality of the Program.
i. Completion of a “Semester Critique” after first semester
ii. Completion of a “Program Critique” after year two
iii. Completion of “Graduate Survey” one year after graduation
(depending on employment status)
b. All students from the OMTTP will sit the certifying exams offered by
JCAHPO
i. Students in the OMTTP will have airfare/hotel/exam fee covered
for either COT/COMT written portion and COT/COMT skill
evaluation in May of their final year. (Depending on exam
eligibility)
1. Information for these exams will be provided to the
students throughout the Program.
c. All students will pass the JCAHPO certifying exams
i. Additional help/support will be given to students after graduation
if not successful in the JCAHPO exams. This shall not interfere
with the next cohort, and will take place outside regular Program
hours.
2. The program will follow the National Competency Profile by Canadian Society of
Ophthalmic Medical Personnel (CSOMP) for Certified Ophthalmic Medical
Technology
3. Maintain accreditation through the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) allowing
graduates to be eligible to write the JCAHPO certification exams.
a. Maintain accreditation standards
4. Upon graduation students will be able to integrate effectively in the ophthalmic
community.
a. The OMTTP will provide instruction and clinical experience to allow the
graduate to work independently within their scope of practice.
b. The OMTTP will provide instruction and clinical experience to allow the
graduate to perform ophthalmic diagnostic procedures within their scope
of practice
c. The OMTTP will provide instruction and clinical experience with varied
patient population.
d. The OMTTP will provide instruction and clinical experience to encourage
the depth of understanding and skills required to educate other
ophthalmic personnel.
e. Enroll the appropriate number of students to meet the community and
territorial needs.
5. To review and amend the program and curriculum as needed to maintain a high
level program.
a. There shall be sufficient funds available on a yearly basis to ensure a
continuous program. Funds shall cover:
i. Yearly operating costs (supplies, books, exam fees, airfare, hotels,
per diems, etc.)
ii. Program Director’s salary
iii. Yearly accreditation fees
iv. Yearly educational funds for program director travel to national
meetings to network and attend educational programs to remain
current in the profession.
1. JCAHPO Annual Meeting
2. Canadian Ophthalmology Society Annual Meeting
b. Yearly curriculum review
c. Yearly program review
i. Time allotment
ii. Didactic vs. clinic time weighting
iii. Review “Employer Survey” and “Graduate survey”one year post
graduation (when applicable)
iv. Travel Schedule for students