Nationally Certified Multi-Skilled Ophthalmic Technician
CIP Code: 51.1801 • 125 questions • 2.5 hours • Passing score: 70% • Annual renewal
Overview
This credential validates multi-skilled readiness to support ophthalmology practices and vision clinics. Certified Ophthalmic Technicians perform patient intake and history, visual acuity testing, lensometry, basic refractometry support, tonometry, pupillary and motility evaluations, ophthalmic imaging support (fundus/OCT), instrument care, and documentation.
- Nationally recognized Multi-Skilled Stackable
- Listed in the NHWCA National Registry for employer verification
- Annual renewal: $199 • 10 CEU • No lapse (CPR not required)
Why Multi-Skilled?
NHWCA’s multi-skilled model verifies cross-functional competence in diagnostic testing, imaging support, patient prep, instrument care, and documentation—so practices can staff one certified professional across intake, testing, and provider support.
Job Description
An Ophthalmic Technician performs patient history and visual acuity, lensometry, keratometry and refraction support, tonometry, pupillary and EOM testing, color vision and visual fields screening, assists with fundus/OCT imaging, prepares rooms and instruments, follows infection control, and documents results in the EHR.
Qualifications (choose one)
- Graduate of an ophthalmic assistant/technician or allied health program; or
- Trained on the job by an accredited ophthalmology practice; or
- Experience: 3 months verifiable ophthalmic/vision clinic experience.
All candidates must meet age, ID, and conduct requirements per the NHWCA Candidate Handbook.
Exam Structure & Timing
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Question Count | 125 multiple-choice (100 scored + 25 pilot) |
| Time Limit | 2.5 hours (150 minutes) |
| Passing Score | 70% or higher |
| Delivery | Online or approved testing site, proctored, closed-book |
| Question Style | Scenario-based and knowledge-based items |
Exam Domains & Weighting
| Domain | Weight | Approx. Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Patient Intake, History & Visual Acuity | 20% | ~25 |
| Lensometry, Keratometry & Refraction Support | 20% | ~25 |
| Tonometry, Pupils, Motility & Fields | 20% | ~25 |
| Ophthalmic Imaging Support (Fundus/OCT) | 15% | ~19 |
| Instrument Care, Disinfection & Safety | 15% | ~19 |
| Documentation, Communication & Patient Education | 10% | ~12 |
Totals reflect 100 scored items; 25 pilot items do not affect score.
Practice Questions (10)
Included with registration inside the candidate portal. These do not affect your score but mirror the style and depth of the live exam.
Renewal
- Cycle: Annual
- Requirements: $199 • 10 CEU • No lapse (CPR not required)
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