Ophthalmic Program Receives Initial Accreditation

The Ophthalmic Medical Personnel program at Edgecombe Community College has received initial accreditation from its international accrediting body. Only three NC community colleges offer the program.

The new Ophthalmic Medical Personnel program at Edgecombe Community College has received initial accreditation from its international accrediting body.

In a letter to College officials, the International Council of Accreditation Board of Directors granted initial accreditation, which signifies that graduates are eligible to sit for the International Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology certification exam.

ECC’s Ophthalmic Medical Personnel program began in fall semester 2018. The program prepares students to perform ophthalmic procedures under the supervision of a licensed physician specializing in ophthalmology.

The four-semester diploma program curriculum was developed with input from local clinicians who recognized the need for trained individuals in the industry. All of the classes are offered in the evening, making it the first evening program in health sciences at ECC.

“We are very grateful that we have been granted initial accreditation and look forward to the benefits this will bring to our program, our students, and the College,” says Andrea Jenkins, chair of the Ophthalmic Medical Personnel program.

The program can enroll a maximum of eight students. The first class comprises four students, who completed their studies in December 2019 and will graduate during ECC commencement exercises in August.

Only three North Carolina community colleges offer the Ophthalmic Medical Personnel program. The closest one to Edgecombe County is at Sandhills Community College in Pinehurst.