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On Wednesday, June 15, Salus University president Dr. Michael H. Mittelman, and Community College of Philadelphia president, Dr. Donald Guy Generals, signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the two institutions to bring an innovative Ophthalmic Technician Proficiency Certificate Program to Philadelphia. Also in attendance from Salus were Dr. Janice Scharre, provost and vice president of Academic Affairs; Dr. Linda Casser, coordinator of Interprofessional Education and liaison for this program; Mary Jameson, COA, CPOT, manager of Specialty Services at The Eye Institute; and from Community College of Philadelphia, Dr. Mary Anne Celenza, dean of Math, Science and Health Careers; and Dr. Samuel Hirsch, vice president for Academic and Student Success.
An MOA is a formal agreement of cooperation between two or more organizations, defining roles and responsibilities pertaining to the development of a partnership or project – in this case, Salus University and Community College of Philadelphia.
The Ophthalmic Technician Proficiency Certificate Program, set to launch in fall 2016, will provide students comprehensive education and training that will ensure their success as healthcare professionals. Additionally, the program is one of only five offered throughout the United States accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education. Classes for the two-semester, full-time program will be held at Community College of Philadelphia’s Northwest Regional Center and The Eye Institute. An information session was held immediately following the ceremony providing specific details of the program.
Upon graduation, ophthalmic technicians may work in eye care practices, health care clinics, optical dispensaries, optical laboratories and pharmaceutical companies, and other health facilities. This program will help advance optometry workforce initiatives as well as promote access to health-related careers in underserved communities. “This collaboration embraces Salus University’s and Community College of Philadelphia’s joint commitment to serving a diverse student population while also developing a curriculum for a rewarding career that has great potential opportunities,” said Dr. Michael H. Mittelman, president of Salus University. “Not only will both institutions benefit from this program, but it benefits the City of Philadelphia since we can now offer a local ophthalmic technician program to residents.”
