What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is April 30 of each year.
When do classes begin?
Classes begin the first week of August.
Are there any college pre-requisites required?
No, but if you have attended college, it is important that we receive an official transcript from the college you attended. Although there are no pre-requisites, it is always helpful to see successful academic performance at the college level.
Is there an age limit?
You must be 18 prior to beginning your clinical rotations.
Is on-campus housing available?
No. Allied Health Program students are not eligible for on-campus housing.
Off campus housing options may be found here. Enrolled students will also have access to a list of roommate opportunities with other Duke University students if desired.
Is the program eligible for financial aid?
Yes. For information about financial aid, you may visit the Duke School of Medicine financial aid website.
What is the current program tuition?
More information on program costs
What are the hours of the program?
Initial intro classes are onsite at Duke Eye Center in the classroom M-F and students are expected to be available from the hours of 8am - 5pm. This portion of the program is for 3 months. There are occasional lectures that happen at 7am and some that start at 6pm. It is a full-time experience and students must be available to be fully dedicated to the program.
Clinical rotations begin in November of each year and continue through the end of the program. Students must complete 1000 hours of clinic time, so they are expected to be at their clinical rotation site from 8am - 4:30pm each day.
Are clinical rotations paid?
No. Students in the program participate in clinical rotations to gain real world experience in ophthalmology. This experience is curated to allow the student to gain knowledge in all subspecialties and the unique set of clinical skills found in each of the clinical areas. The students of the program understand that participation in the activities of the clinic does not constitute an employment agreement with Duke Eye Center, and as such no financial compensation is expected.
Does Duke Eye Center provide immigration sponsorship for the Ophthalmic Technician Program?
No, we do not provide immigration sponsorship.
Where can I get additional information about the program?
email: optech@duke.edu