EyeSouth Partners CE Training Event

Monday, November 9, 2026

6:30 PM - 8:30 PM East/5:30 pm - 7:30 pm Central

Register by Friday, November 6, 2026

Course Title: From Tear Film to Corneal Health. Advanced Ocular Surface Testing

Course instructor: Sharon Alamalhodaei, COMT, OSC, CEP
Course Duration: Two hours
Target Group: Ophthalmic Medical Personnel
Course Level: Intermediate
Teaching Method: Lecture, PowerPoint, Case-Based Discussion with Q&A

Course Information

Description:
This intermediate-level course provides ophthalmic medical assistants with a structured, technician-focused approach to advanced ocular surface testing—from tear film fundamentals through corneal surface assessment. Participants will review tear film anatomy, composition, and function; learn the purpose, preparation, technique, and quality considerations for Schirmer testing, TBUT, osmolarity, lipid layer imaging, and ocular surface staining; and examine meibomian gland expression testing, meibography, and gland orifice evaluation. The course then progresses to corneal surface integrity assessment, including erosion detection followed by an overview of advanced imaging technologies such as osmolarity devices, LipiView, and meibography systems. Quality assurance is emphasized throughout, including testing technique, reliability, common errors, and equipment maintenance. Case-based discussion will help participants organize and integrate results from multiple tests, recognize findings that require provider review, and communicate test results accurately without diagnosing or recommending treatment. The course focuses exclusively on the technician's role in testing, assessment, documentation, and quality control.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, participants should be able to:

•     By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Describe the basic anatomy, composition, and functions of the tear film and relate these fundamentals to the purpose of ocular surface testing.

• Explain the purpose, patient preparation, technique, and documentation considerations for Schirmer testing, TBUT, osmolarity, lipid layer imaging, and ocular surface staining.

• Describe meibomian gland expression, meibography, and gland orifice evaluation and recognize factors that may affect test reliability.

• Describe technician-appropriate methods for assessing corneal surface integrity, including erosion detection, and identify when results should be brought to the eye-care provider's attention.

• Identify the role and basic applications of advanced ocular surface imaging technologies, including osmolarity devices, LipiView, and meibography systems.

• Recognize common sources of error and artifact in ocular surface testing, apply quality-assurance principles, and identify when testing should be repeated or equipment concerns addressed.

• Document results from multiple ocular surface tests into an organized technician workup, communicate findings accurately to the eye-care provider, and remain within appropriate technician scope without diagnosing disease or recommending treatment.

This course has been submitted for consideration of two JCAHPO CEC’s