Interpreting for Ophthalmology: English-Language Training for Spanish Medical Interpreters (Online live session via Zoom) 5 CEUs by DSHS (#), CCHI, IMIA/NBCMI, ATA. $82/Members

 
NOTIS’s Community Interpreters Division (CID) presents:

Interpreting for Ophthalmology

: English-Language Training for Spanish Medical Interpreters

Presented by Joe Tein, M.A.

What is it about? 

The human eye is small in size but extraordinarily complex in design and function. Our eyesight connects us with the world around us: through our eyes we perceive shapes, movement, color, written language, art, and human emotion. Our eyes allow us to read, drive, work, recognize friends and loved ones, and live independently. The preservation of vision is therefore not only a medical activity, but also a deeply human priority.

Because vision affects nearly every aspect of our daily lives, ophthalmology plays a vital role in preserving safety, independence, relationships and quality of life. In this webshop we will explore the language, anatomy, disorders, diagnostic procedures, and treatments most commonly encountered in ophthalmology interpreting to help us support patients and providers during their important conversations.

The course emphasizes understanding of basic ophthalmology concepts and strengthening interpreting skills. The material will be presented through detailed explanatory handouts, PowerPoint slide presentation, interpreting practice in Zoom breakout rooms, group discussions and periodic reviews. One version of this webshop will be offered for English-Spanish interpreters; a separate presentation will be prepared for interpreters in other language pairs.

After completing this webshop, participants will have a basic understanding of how the eyes function and the symptoms, disorders, diagnostic procedures and treatments used in ophthalmology; and increased fluency in accurately interpreting this terminology between their working languages.

Learning objectives:

• Participants will obtain an understanding of the major anatomical structures of the eye and their function.
• Participants will understand and be able to translate between their working languages a wide variety of terms related to symptoms and disorders seen in ophthalmology.
• Participants will understand and be able to translate terms related to diagnostic procedures and the treatments provided for a variety of eye disorders.
• Participants will learn basic actions and behaviors they can follow to increase the health and safety of their own vision.
• Participants will learn resources to help them find additional information about ophthalmology and ophthalmology terminology translation support.

When? Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. PST

NOTE: This is a 5-hour workshop with a total of 30 minutes of breaks.

Check-in begins at 8:50 a.m. Please make sure to sign in at that time. 

Missed the Live Session?
This workshop will be recorded, and the recording will be available to all registered participants who missed the live session for one month after the workshop date.

Cost:

NOTIS Members: $82 / Non-Members: $148

Join NOTIS for discounts on all educational programs, plus many other member benefits!

Registration:
Registration closes five days prior to the event. Confirmation will be emailed after registration. If you don’t receive confirmation, your registration may not have been successful. Please ensure your device meets the Zoom system requirements before registering.

Two reminder emails with login details will be sent 3 days and 1 day before the workshop. If you don’t receive them, email info@notisnet.org or text 425-615-6741.

Continuing Education Credits (CEUs):

Agency Codes:

ATA – American Translators Association
CA CIMCE – California Court Interpreter Minimum Continuing Education Credit
CCHI – Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters
IMIA/NBCMI – International Medical Interpreters Association / The National Board of Certification of Medical Interpreters
WA DSHS – Washington Department of Social and Health Services

NOTE: NOTIS is not responsible for refunds if CE credits are not approved by these entities. 

Joe Tein is a medical interpreter and translator and a Washington State Certified Court Interpreter with a passion for helping colleagues build their skills and knowledge. He holds a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology and works as a freelance medical translator from Spanish and Italian into English. He is the creator of the Washington State AOC Court Interpreters’ English–Spanish glossary of legal terms and co-author of the most comprehensive online Italian medical acronym resource (www.gilbertolacchia.it/acromed.pdf). Over the years, Mr. Tein has taught numerous classes and workshops for both medical and court interpreters, in person and online, sharing practical knowledge gained through decades of professional experience. One participant wrote: “Joe has a way of teaching a lot of material in an interesting manner that keeps the students engaged.”

Certificates of Completion
Certificates will be issued to attendees who:
- Arrive on time
- Attend the entire session

Please allow time to log in early. Late arrivals are welcome to stay, but will not receive DSHS credit. 

IMPORTANT: If this workshop is approved for DSHS credit, DSHS attendance requirements apply to all participants, regardless of whether you personally need the credit. Cameras must remain on unless you are experiencing technical difficulties. We are unable to make individual exceptions.

Refund Policy
✅ Refunds are available if requested more than 5 days before the event, minus a $15 fee.
❌ No refunds for cancellations after that period or due to technical issues, missed reminders, or platform compatibility problems.
❌ Transfers between workshops are not permitted.

Accessibility & Questions
If you require accommodations, please contact NOTIS 2–3 weeks in advance, or as soon as possible, at info@notisnet.org.