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Opticianry

A QUICK INTRO

One of only two such programs in the state, Opticianry prepares you to adapt and fit corrective eyewear or ophthalmic devices as prescribed by the ophthalmologist or optometrist.

 

WHAT YOU STUDY

Students will acquire competencies in all phases of opticianry, including analysis and interpretation of prescriptions; surfacing, benchwork, dispensing, and fitting of eyewear and ophthalmic devices; maintenance of consumer records; effective communication with consumers; and business management skills.

 

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Graduates should qualify to take certification examinations given by the American Board of Opticianry, the National Contact Lens Examiners, and the North Carolina State Board of Opticians, as well as other state licensing boards.

The Southwestern Community College Opticianry Program is accredited by the Commission on Opticianry Accreditation (COA).
 

A CLOSER LOOK

Check out this video to learn about the program and the perks of working in this field.

 

Clinic Estimated Expenses Program Outcomes Scholarships

COURSE INFORMATION

Click on title for course description. For your convenience, the following listing includes only credit hours for each course. For a comprehensive listing of classroom, lab and clinical hours for each course, click on this PDF.

Courses may be taken remotely. In-person requirements include a once weekly lab day on Fridays.

 

FALL SEMESTER 1

Prefix No. Title Credit
ACA 111 College Student Success 1
ENG 111  Writing & Inquiry 3
MAT 143 Quantitative Literacy 3
OPH 121 Anatomy & Physiology of the Eye 3
OPH 131 Optical Dispensing I 3
OPH 141 Optical Theory I 3
    Totals 16

 

SPRING SEMESTER 1

ENG 114  Pro. Research & Reporting 3
OPH 111 Ophthalmic Laboratory I 3
OPH 132 Optical Dispensing II 4
OPH 142 Optical Theory II 3
PSY 150 General Psychology 3
    Totals 16

 

SUMMER SEMESTER 

CIS 110 Introduction to Computers 3
HUM 115 Critical Thinking 3
    Totals 6

 

FALL SEMESTER 2

BUS 110 Introduction to Business 3
OPH 112 Ophthalmic Laboratory II 3
OPH 233 Advanced Optical Procedures 4
OPH 251 Optical Internship I 1
OPH 261 Contact Lenses I 4
    Totals 15

 

SPRING SEMESTER 2

OPH 215 Laboratory Proficiency 2
OPH 222 Optical Business Management 3
OPH 243 Technical Proficiency 3
OPH 262 Contact Lenses II 4
OPH 282 Optical Externship II 2
    Totals 14

Click on title for course description. For your convenience, the following listing includes only credit hours for each course. For a comprehensive listing of classroom, lab and clinical hours for each course, click on this PDF.

This certificate thoroughly prepares the student for the Contact Lens Registry Examination from the National Contact Lens Examiners, commonly referred to as the NCLE exam. 

 

FALL SEMESTER 1

Prefix No. Title Credit
OPH 121 Anatomy & Physiology of the Eye 3
OPH 141 Optical Theory I 3
    Totals 6

SPRING SEMESTER 1

Prefix No. Title Credit
OPH 261 Contact Lenses I 4
OPH 262 Contact Lenses II 4
    Totals 8

This certificate is also offered to high school students through the Career & College Promise initiative.

Becca Morton
Opticianry Program Coordinator

 

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