Majors at ECC: Allied Health Division

OPHTHALMIC DISPENSING
(Optician)

Text Version

Program Description

Ophthalmic Dispensers (Opticians) are licensed professionals who dispense eyeglasses and/or contact lenses to the public from prescriptions written by eye doctors.

With the increase in the nation's population and the aging of the baby boomer generation, the demand for ophthalmic dispensing services and a trained corps of ophthalmic professionals has risen. This demand exists in private businesses, health maintenance organizations, nationwide chain store operations, professional eyecare offices, and in other areas including ophthalmic sales, supply and laboratories.

The program's objectives are to provide the necessary theoretical and practical training to enable students to pass New York State licensing exams, to meet national certification criteria, and to be prepared to take exams, if desired, in any of the 22 states that have ophthalmic licensing exams.

Classroom lecture and laboratory training involves the careful selection, measuring and fitting of eyewear and lenses unique to each person. Laboratory skills also include the actual fabrication of eyewear. In the case of contact lenses, the use of sophisticated instruments and evaluation techniques are used to design and dispense contact lenses to each individual.

Students will be trained in the use of computers to maintain patient histories and prescription requirements. To complement their classroom and laboratory training, students will participate in an externship at participating retail dispensing facilities.

There is a broad range of opportunities available to graduates of the program. At least 4 percent of the graduates have continued their education to become Doctors of Optometry. Another 10 percent have transferred to four-year institutions to pursue their baccalaureate degree in marketing, retailing, or business. About 10 percent own their own optical dispensaries; 20 percent are managers; and 50 percent work for other dispensers. The remainder of the graduates are employed in ophthalmic support sales or other areas.

Department Note

Students must maintain a 2.00 QPA in all ophthalmic courses

Accreditation

Commission on Opticianry Accreditation

Scholarships

The following scholarships are awarded to the Ophthalmic Dispensing Student Population annually:

  • James J. Farino Memorial Scholarship, $300.00; sponsored by the New York State Society of Opticians
  •  NYS Society of Opticians-Southern Tier Scholarship, $500.00; sponsored by NYSSO-Southern Tier Chapter
  • Cosmo J. Fratello Alumni Scholarship, $250.00; sponsored by O.D. Scholarship Fund
  • NYS Society of Opticians-Buffalo Chapter,$500.00; sponsored by NYSSO-Buffalo Chapter
  • Lenscrafters Scholarships, $500.00; sponsored by Lenscrafters, Inc.
  • Student Grant Award of $100.00 and Corneal Reflection Pupilometer sponsored by Essilor of America
  • Richard Terry Memorial Scholarship, $250.00; sponsored by friends of  Dick Terry

Students are encouraged to participate in additional academic scholarship award contests provided on a local and national basis.  Scholarships are available to matriculated students only.

 Degree: Associate in Applied Science
 Hegis: 5212
 Curriculum Code: 0549
 Total Degree Credits: 65.5
 Campus Location: North
 Health Sciences Division