
On June 12, 2025, the Duke Eye Center proudly celebrated the graduation of the 2025 class of the Duke Ophthalmic Technician Program. The ceremony honored the hard work, dedication, and accomplishments of ten outstanding students who completed this rigorous one-year allied health certificate program.
Offered by the Duke University School of Medicine, the Duke Ophthalmic Technician Program prepares students for a rewarding career in eye care. The full-time program combines intensive classroom instruction, with hands-on clinical rotations across all eight Duke Eye Center clinics. The program is accredited by the International Council of Accreditation (ICA), ensuring the highest standards in ophthalmic technician education.
The program is led by Adam Moses, COMT, who serves as Program Director, and Kourtney Houser, MD, Program Medical Director. Their leadership, dedication, and mentorship have been instrumental in shaping the success of this year’s graduating class.
The graduating class also recognized the invaluable guidance and support of mentors who played a pivotal role in their journey. The 2025 Mentor of the Year Awards were presented to:
- Technician Mentor of the Year – Giselle Grimshaw, BBA, COMT, ROUB
- Resident Mentor of the Year – James Robbins, MD
- Fellow Mentor of the Year – Nathanial Blecher, MD
- Attending Mentor of the Year – Leon Herndon, MD
Congratulations to the Class of 2025! Your dedication to excellence in patient care and your commitment to advancing the field of ophthalmology are truly inspiring. We look forward to seeing the impact you will make in the world of eye care.