Introduction 

Ophthalmic Assistant (OA) or MLOPs are skilled person whose academic and clinical training qualifies him/her to assist in ophthalmic procedures. These are done under the direction or supervision of a qualified ophthalmologist. There is a growing need in developing and developed countries to strengthen the use of OA/MLOP for optimum utilization of skills, time and efficient outcome of ophthalmologist. As a result increase access to quality eye care is ensured. Comprehensive human resource planning is based on use of OAs as a supportive and auxiliary resource for ophthalmologist.

After successfully completion of this training, they will work at a hospital/ clinic /medical facilities.  Their main function would be to assist ophthalmologist in order to rendering complete eye health care both curative and preventive. The OA play their role both in the community sector as well as in the hospital sector in the ophthalmic arena. As per the legal concern the MLOP will not practice individually and they also cannot prescribe any ophthalmic medication.

Objectives of OA/MLOP training program

1. General Objectives

The course will provide knowledge, skills and attitude through which OA/MLOPs will be able to assist the ophthalmologist and render primary eye care services with efficiency and accuracy where necessary within defined boundary of responsibilities.

2. Specific objectives

At the end of the course OA/MLOPs will be able to:

• Schedule patient appointment
• Record patient medical histories.
• Evaluate and conduct certain eye procedures
• Handle ophthalmic equipment and instruments efficiently
• Perform record keeping efficiently
• Assist Ophthalmologist in clinical and surgical practices
• Assist service delivery in eye camps
• Provide basic eye care services to communities

Five Core Competencies

The foundation of the knowledge, skills, and interpersonal behaviors required of MLOPs are the following five core competencies:

• Patient care
• Medical knowledge
• Professionalism, interpersonal and communication skills
• Technical and scientific skills
• Community and health services

Course Details

Name of the course: Ophthalmic Assistant (MLOP) Certificate Course
Duration for the course: One Year
Eligibility of the Candidates: The candidate must have passed in SSC (Science) or equivalent exam
Medium: English
Teaching & Learning methods: Lecture, Tutorial, Demonstration, Observation, Hands-on training, Group discussion, Assignment presentation, Outreach camps
Teaching materials: Models, Photographs, PowerPoint Presentation, Audio-Visual, Case demonstration
Assessment Methods (Formative): Written, Oral, Practical, Performance Observation with checklist
Evaluation Pattern: Weekly evaluation, Practical Examination, Monthly Exam (Subject wise) & Final Exam (Theory, Oral & Practical), Pass mark-50%

 Marks Distribution:

• Theoretical 50%
• Clinical Assessment, Practical & VIVA 50%

Subjects

For Written:
Paper I: Basic Anatomy & Physiology of Human body, Basic Ocular Anatomy & Physiology, Basic Ocular Pharmacology, Basic Ocular Microbiology
Paper II: Basic Clinical Ophthalmology
Paper III: Basic Ophthalmic Surgery & Community Ophthalmology

For Practical:
Patient Examination & Diagnosis
OPD Ophthalmic Procedure
Ophthalmic investigations

For VIVA
According to Practical & related Theory
Ophthalmic Equipments & Instruments

Course Plan

Points to Note:  Following are against the idea & intention of the course

1. The course holders must not use the prefix ‘Dr. (Doctor)’.
2. They must not undertake any surgery in the Eye independently.
3. They must not prescribe.