ADMISSIONS

The Southern California College of Optometry (SCCO), Vision Care Assistant Program (VCA), educates students to provide a wide range of support services in an eye care practice in an efficient and professional manner.  The program is designed to teach the skills that will enable the assistant to become a highly qualified and valued member in the eye and vision care field.

VCA is a rewarding career as one can work in a variety of settings – private practice, clinical or retail.  The U.S. population is aging and their eye care needs will increase, placing a high demand for skilled personnel.  Potential employers will recognize the prestige associated with a certificate from SCCO.  According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual earnings in this field are $32,700 per year with additional incentives available in certain settings.

Program Specifics

Tuition 2011-2012 – VCA Program

The tuition for the VCA program is $7,500. Module One and Module Two are $3,000 each. Module Three is $1,500.

Financial Aid

The Free Application for Student Financial Aid (FAFSA) is the financial aid application used to determine financial aid eligibility.  It must be filed yearly.  Separate applications are required for Federal Direct Student Loans. To file a FAFSA application and view eligibility requirements, please visit their website at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Duration of Program

• Each of the three modules will be taught in a 12-week quarter system
• The classes will be held two evenings a week and select Saturdays
• Certification is provided upon successful completion of all three modules

The educational format of the VCA program is a combination of classroom, laboratory and clinical experience.  Hands-on experience in office management and in-depth knowledge of the equipment, procedures and techniques common in eye care practices will be emphasized.  Students will enjoy an education that fully prepares them for a career working with doctors and patients in an eye care practice.
The course of study is planned around three modules to provide students with applied education in distinct areas:

Module One – Office Management and Optical Dispensing

The introductory module Office Management and Optical Dispensing includes an introduction to the US health care system, and the ophthalmic industry, medical and ophthalmic terminology, optical theory and visual optics, professional ethics and the law, electronic medical records, HIPAA (federally mandated patient privacy), health care insurance and optical coding. The insurance portion will provide students with knowledge of the common vision and medical eye care insurance providers, and the understanding of various codes used appropriately for billing procedures in eye care. The skill set needed to manage the business aspects of an eye care practice will be emphasized, including front desk operations, inter-personal and communication skills, and electronic medical records. Resume writing and interview skills will also be covered to assist students as they prepare to enter the job market. There will also be a focus on the skills needed to assist patients with lifestyle dispensing, frame and lens selection, frame repairs, inventory control and product marketing.

Module Two – Patient Care Assisting

The second module Patient Care Assisting is designed to teach the student those technical patient care skills needed in an eye care practice. Topics will include basic first aid, ocular and systemic anatomy and physiology, and medical terminology. Additional health procedures education will cover eye medications, ocular conditions, and pre – and post-surgical procedures. Skills presented in this module will include patient history taking, pre-testing procedures, and application of automated diagnostic instrumentation used in practice. Contact lens care will be covered, including detailed instructions on insertion, removal and safe care of contact lenses.

Module Three – Clinic Internship

The third module is Clinic Internship that is comprised of 3 clinical rotations in three separate private practice settings. The locations of the rotations will be specially selected for the students to practice and perfect their new skills.

Contact Person

If you have any questions you may contact Ana Maria Soto Mayor-Camacho, Director of Vision Care Assistant Program at 714.872.5682 • Fax 714.992.7809 or email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).