Opticianry
AAS
Opticianry
This Opticianry Program is a two-year program that offers an associate of applied science degree in Opticianry and is nationally accredited by the Commission on Opticianry Accreditation (COA). According to the Washington State Administrative Code and Licensing Guidelines: "The ophthalmic dispenser (dispensing optician) prepares duplications of and dispenses lenses, spectacles, eyeglasses, and/or appurtenances for intended wearers on written prescriptions from physicians or optometrists; and in accordance with such prescriptions, the dispenser measures, adapts, adjusts and fabricates such lenses, spectacles, eyeglasses and/or appurtenances to the human face for the aid or correction of visual or ocular anomalies of the human eye." Other responsibilities may include business/administrative functions relating to record maintenance; purchasing and maintenance of supplies and equipment; physiognomy measurements; and preparation of laboratory job orders. Enrollment into the program occurs only in fall and winter quarters. New students can begin taking support courses listed in preparation for the fall quarter start.
Graduates MUST pass a state-licensing exam to practice in this field. As part of licensure, four hours of HIV/AIDS education certification is required.
Career Opportunities
Students successfully completing the Opticianry Program and the licensure examination by the State of Washington will have the skills necessary to work as a dispensing optician or sales representative in the eye care field. Opticians are employed by optical firms, optometrists, ophthalmologists, optical manufacturers and wholesalers. Some graduates may become proprietors of their own dispensing establishments.
The U.S. Department of Labor in a recent study found opticianry to be one of the best professions for job security. Employment of opticians is expected to increase in the next decade as population growth continues in the Northwest; as the current trend in stylish eyewear accelerates; and as health care in general improves and visual deficiencies are detected in groups of the population that are now unserved. The earnings of qualified opticians are among the highest of health-care technicians.
Entrance Requirements
- High school diploma or GED equivalent in the U.S.
- Test requirements: COMPASS placement testing. Must be eligible for ENG 101 (Composition) and MAT 084 (Algebra I). The test is waived if transcripts show completion of English and Math with at least 2.0 grade.
How To Get Started
- Complete the Standard Procedure for Admission to the College
- Eligibility Contact the division counselor's office at (206) 344-4347 for an interview/appointment to evaluate test results and for counseling assistance to determine eligibility to enter the program. When eligible, applicants are accepted and placed on the approved list on a first-come, first-served basis.
Students having previously earned credits in science/general education courses must apply for Credit by Direct Transfer in the Admissions Office, room BE 1107. This is the responsibility of the applicant. Applicants are also responsible for submitting all prerequisite and/or supporting class grades to the division office.
<Estimated Training Costs
- Tuition
- Photo ID Card (one-time fee)
- Student Activity Fee (per quarter)
- Transportation Mgmt Fee (per quarter)
- Computer Lab Fee (per quarter)
- Universal Technology Fee (per quarter)
- Supplies/Equipment Approx. $40.00 per qtr
- Lab Fees ($29.25 per quarter) $204.75
- Tool Kit (2nd quarter) $200.00
- Textbooks (Approx. $100.00 per qtr)
Curriculum
| 1'st Quarter | Credits | |
| AHE 165 | MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY I | 3 |
| ENGL&101 | ENGLISH COMPOSITION | 5 |
| MIC 101 | INTRODUCTION TO MICROCOMPUTER APPLICATIONS | 4 |
| OPH 100 | ORIENTATION TO OPHTHALMIC DISPENSING | 2 |
| OPH 110 | OPTICAL LAB TECH I | 3 |
| 2'nd Quarter | Credits | |
| CMST 100 | ||
| OPH 101 | OPTICAL THEORY I | 5 |
| OPH 107 | OPHTHALMIC DISPENSING I | 5 |
| OPH 111 | OPTICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY II | 3 |
| 3'rd Quarter | Credits | |
| MATH 110 | APPLIED MATH FOR TECHNICIANS | 3 |
| OPH 102 | OPTICAL THEORY II | 4 |
| OPH 105 | OCULAR ANATOMY&PHYS | 3 |
| OPH 108 | OPHTHALMIC DISPENSNG II | 5 |
| OPH 112 | OPTICAL LAB TECH III | 3 |
| 4'th Quarter | Credits | |
| OPH 103 | OPTICAL THEORY III | 3 |
| OPH 106 | CONTACT LENSES TECH I | 5 |
| OPH 113 | FINISHING I | 5 |
| OPH 197 | OPHTHALMIC DIS/WORK EXP | 5 |
| 5'th Quarter | Credits | |
| BUS& 101 OR | INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS | 5 |
| BUS 103 OR | PERSONNEL/HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT | 3 |
| BUS 185 | SMALL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT | 5 |
| OPH 203 | CONTACT LENSES II | 5 |
| OPH 211 | FINISHING II | 5 |
| OPH 295 | OPHTHALMIC DISPENS BUS. | 3 |
| PSYC&100 OR | GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY | 5 |
| PSYC&200 OR | LIFESPAN PSYCHOLOGY | 5 |
| PSYC 240 | PSYCHOLOGY OF HUMAN RELATIONS | 3 |
| 6'th Quarter | Credits | |
| OPH 198 | Ophthalmic Dispensing | 5 |
| OPH 204 | CONTACT LENSES TECH III | 6 |
| OPH 212 | FINISHING III | 5 |
| OPH 296 | OPHTHALMIC DISP. BUS. | 3 |
| 7'th Quarter | Credits | |
| OPH 199 | OPHTHALMIC DISPENSING | 5 |
| OPH 205 | CONTACT LENS TECH IV | 2 |
| OPH 215 | BENCHWORK PROCEDURES | 3 |
| OPH 297 | OPHTHALMIC DISP. BUS. | 3 |
| OPH 299 | COMPREHENSIVE | 7 |
| Total Credits = 126 - 128 | ||
Note: In order to complete the program, a 2.0 grade or above is required in all opticianry, related instruction and science courses.
For Further Information:
The School of Opticianry
Health and Human Services
Seattle Central Community College
1701 Broadway, Room 2BE3210
Seattle, WA 98122
PHONE: (206) 344-4347
TTY: (206) 344-4347
FAX: (206) 587-6337
Maureen Wood-Mottley mawood@sccd.ctc.edu 206.587.6953