What You’ll Learn

Opticianry (AS)

Objectives

The Opticianry associate degree program serves as the educational gateway for students of all ages, including adult learners and apprentice opticians. With a vibrant optical industry and continued need for qualified eye care professionals, there exists a tremendous opportunity for technically skilled and highly knowledgeable opticians.

The primary objective of the program is to prepare students for a career as a licensed optician. The licensing requirements for the state of Massachusetts are certification by the American Board of Opticianry, certification by the National Contact Lens Examiners, completion of an associate degree in opticianry, and successful completion of the state licensing exam.

The curriculum is designed to prepare the graduate to meet both the requirements for licensing in all states, including national and local certification exams and practical tests, as well as for entry into the profession of opticianry itself. Upon graduation, the student will be well-versed and knowledgeable in all facets of opticianry, including spectacle design, fitting and dispensing, contact lens design and fitting, prescription and non-prescription fabrication and manufacturing, and special application optics.

Graduates will be able to work in many different environments ranging from HMO/medical offices to retail/ high fashion optical boutiques, corporate and chain optical conglomerates to independent ownership. Graduates will be well versed in all aspects of optics as it relates to opticianry. Graduates will be qualified for positions involving spectacle design and dispensing, contact lens design and dispensing, optical laboratory finishing and management, optical business management or independent ownership. Many graduates of the opticianry program seek advanced degrees and/or certification related to business, management, ophthalmic technology and health care management.

Student Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the associate degree, students will be able to perform the following professional responsibilities:

• Based upon a patient’s prescription, vision needs, and lifestyle and desires, visualize and design appropriate solutions pertaining to prescription glasses and/ or contact lenses.
• Design, fit, and dispense prescription glasses and contact lenses
• Utilize and operate all forms of ophthalmic devices and instrumentation, including keratometers, lensmeters, biomicroscopes, corneal topographers, pupilometers, and digital image measuring devices.
• Utilize and operate all finishing lab equipment including edgers, safety beveling units, blocking and layout devices, and rimless edging devices.
• Inspect and verify spectacle and contact lenses for optical precision, proper and comfortable fit, and proper aesthetics.
• Evaluate and troubleshoot patient’s concerns and symptoms as they are related to the eyeglasses and contact lenses.
• Professionally and academically express optical technical skills and knowledge, both in an exam scenario, as well as in a clinical environment.