(PRESS RELEASE) HONOLULU, HI – Paraoptometric assistants in Hawaii now have the opportunity to enhance their optometric knowledge and skills, through a new registered apprenticeship program developed in conjunction with their employers, the Hawaii Optometric Association and Kapiolani Community College. The new program provides 145 hours of classroom training in topics including:
I. Basic Science: Anatomy, Common Eye Disorders, Terminology, and Basic Pharmacology
II. Clinical Principles and Procedures: Eye Examination, Refractive Status, Contact Lenses
III. Ophthalmic Optics and Dispensing: Ophthalmic Prescription, Ophthalmic Lenses, Ophthalmic Dispensing
IV. Professional Issues: Eye Care Specialists, Practice Management and Business Skills
The classroom training is designed to be supported and complimented by daily experience in the practices they work in.
The following students have completed the inaugural Optometric Assistant Program at Kapiolani Community College:
- Cherily Alejandro
- Charito Galiza
- Joanna Ngo
- Samantha Cheng
- Brie Duarte
- Amandah Calamayan
- Brie Duarte
- Naomi Leigh Kukac
“This new professional development program for paraoptometric assistants was in direct response to a request from local optometrists,” said Sally Pestana, Program Coordinator, Kapiolani Community College. “The apprenticeship model, providing an “earn while you learn” opportunity, was the perfect delivery model for the new training program. The long term goal of this program is to provide eye care providers in Hawaii highly skilled and committed paraprofessionals for their office team.”
KCC OA Inaugural Class