Department of Ophthalmology Launches Technician Training Program
Applications are now being accepted for a one year certificate training program that will combine didactics and practical experience working in eye clinics. There is currently a shortage of skilled ophthalmic technicians nationwide.
The Ophthalmic Technician Training certificate is a year long program of hands on training and lectures with the expectation that the student will gain the knowledge and experience needed to sit for the Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) exam. Students will enroll through IUPUI and will be considered IUPUI students. They will follow the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) Technician Training textbook curriculum. The students will have an opportunity to rotate through pediatrics and adult clinics at Riley Hospital for Children, Glick Eye Institute, and Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital.
Faculty members fighting glaucoma
Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness and vision loss in the United States, with the number of cases expected to rise to 6.3 million by 2050, according to the National Eye Institute.
This age-related condition occurs when fluid builds up within the eye, causing high pressure and irreversible damage to the optic nerve. The disease progresses slowly, so many patients don’t notice the earliest signs. Unfortunately, vision loss caused by glaucoma can’t be undone.
January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month. Indiana University School of Medicine Department of Ophthalmology specializes in glaucoma research, treatment and prevention. Get to know the faculty members leading these efforts.
