Eye Care Assistants are vital members of the Eye Care team. Demand and employment opportunities for certified eye care assistants have been increasing due to the greater need of provision of eye care health. Eye Care Assistants work under the direction of an optometrist or ophthalmologist. They can work in various clinical settings including private, group and hospital ophthalmology departments. The individual will help the ophthalmologist or optometrist with diagnostic and treatment oriented procedures. Students earning the Eye Care Assistant Certificate program at College of DuPage will gain the skills for entry-level positions as ophthalmic and optometric assistants under the supervision of licensed eye care professionals. The program was recently approved by the Illinois Community College Board and College of DuPage and is in the process of seeking accreditation for the new certificate through the International Council of Accreditation (ICA). Current students can sit for the national certifying exam with permission from the ICA as we are seeking accreditation for the Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA), administered by JCAHPO. College of DuPage is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. www.cod.edu/eyecare