Duke Eye Center celebrated the graduation of the Duke Ophthalmic Technician Program Class of 2026 on July 17, continuing a tradition of training ophthalmic technician students since 1986.
The program is led by Adam Moses, COMT, Program Director, and Kourtney Houser, MD, Program Medical Director. Together, they oversee the curriculum and clinical training experiences that prepare students for careers in ophthalmic care.
The commencement ceremony featured a keynote address by Christopher Dermarkarian, MD, Associate Professor of Ophthalmology, who shared reflections and encouragement as graduates prepare for the next stage of their careers in ophthalmic care. Drawing from his own clinical experience, Dermarkarian emphasized the essential role ophthalmic technicians play in delivering high-quality patient care and supporting the ophthalmology team, highlighting the impact they have on both patients and providers every day.
As part of the ceremony, graduates recognized outstanding mentors who made a meaningful impact on their educational experience through teaching, guidance, and support.
This year's OpTech Mentor of the Year Award recipients were:
- Technician Mentor Award: Alex Martin, COT (presented by Lily Brown)
- Faculty Mentor Award: Leon Herndon, MD (presented by Zainab Almatwari)
- Resident Mentor Award: Agnes Owete, MD
- Fellow Mentor Award: Nkechi Nwabueze, MD
Congratulations to the Duke Ophthalmic Technician Class of 2026. Thank you to the faculty, staff, residents, fellows, and technicians whose mentorship and support contributed to another successful year. As the program celebrates its 39th graduating class, it continues its tradition of preparing skilled ophthalmic professionals for careers in eye care.