SUNY Erie Community College

OPHTHALMIC DISPENSING
(Optician)

Program Competencies

Upon graduation with an Associate in Applied Science degree in Ophthalmic Dispensing, the graduate will be able to:

• determine patient needs, make frame and lens type recommendations and illustrate and demonstrate the use and application of the appropriate ophthalmic products to fulfill the patient’s visual requirements;
• detect and verify prescription irregularities by applying knowledge of ophthalmic terminology and principles of refraction;
• perform ophthalmic and medical history taking and basic ophthalmic screening procedures demonstrating proper utilization of ophthalmic instrumentation and procedures;
• demonstrate eyewear fabrication laboratory skills within American National Standards Institute standards;
• use instrumentation and other empirical methods to determine appropriate contact lens type and lens design ensuring ocular integrity, patient comfort and good visual acuity;
• conduct a diagnostic contact lens evaluation based on patient’s prescription and keratometric readings and determine the need for modification of lens design;
• conduct oneself in a professional and ethical manner by adhering to ethical standards, being courteous, demonstrating proper manners and professional demeanor;
• participate in the New York State licensing examination for Ophthalmic Dispenser and Contact Lens Fitter and the National American Board of Opticianry Certification Exam and the National Contact Lens Examiners Registry Exam; and
• comply with all safety and environmental regulations relative to fabrication, dispensing, contact lens laboratories and clinics.