Opticianry Diploma
Ogeechee Technical College
Key Information
Campus location
Statesboro, USA
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
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Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
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Application deadline
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Earliest start date
Sep 2023
Scholarships
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Introduction
The Opticianry diploma program prepares students for employment in a variety of positions in today’s Opticianry field. A licensed dispensing optician (LDO) can be described as a visual pharmacist who fills Ophthalmologists' written prescription orders and Optometrists. The Opticianry program teaches students how to fabricate prescription lenses from semi-finished lens blanks inserted into fashionable eyewear worn by the patient. Adjusting and fitting eyewear and frame selection and dispensing are also part of the curriculum. The Opticianry program provides learning opportunities that introduce, develop, and reinforce academic and occupational knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement. Additionally, the program provides opportunities to upgrade present knowledge and skills or retrain in the area of Opticianry management. Graduates of the program receive an Opticianry diploma.
Employment Opportunities: Graduates of the Opticianry diploma program are prepared for responsible positions in doctors’ offices, wholesale optical laboratories, and retail dispensing locations, and sales positions and positions with wholesale companies.
Licensure/Certification: Once students have successfully completed the program and passed the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) and National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) exams, they are eligible to complete and submit the application for Licensure Examination to the Georgia State Board of Licensing for Dispensing Opticians, which is comprised of a Contact Lens and Optical Practicum. Students must be 18 years of age to take the certification exam.
Opticianry Diploma Curriculum: The curriculum for the Opticianry diploma program is designed for the semester system. A student may enter the program any semester, but this may add to the total semesters required. To graduate, diploma-seeking students must earn a minimum of 59 semester credit hours. The program requires a minimum of 1560 contact hours and generally takes five semesters to complete.
Occupational Based Courses: The Opticianry diploma program occupational-based instruction provides students with an opportunity for in-depth application and reinforcement of principles and techniques in a real-world setting. The practicum allows the student to become involved in a professional work situation applying technical skills. The occupational-based instruction requires that students spend a minimum of 15 hours a week in a supervised work setting for 225 hours; students are evaluated by the preceptor and the externship coordinator during that time.