Curriculum

Ophthalmic Dispensing is a licensed profession in New York State. Licensing requirements include: graduating from an accredited college of opticianry in NYS, successful completion of American Board of Opticianry examination and National Contact Lens Registry examination (optional), and successful completion of NYS Practical examinations in Dispensing and Contact Lenses (optional). The Department Head will review all application procedures when appropriate.

CURRICULUM

The Vision Care Technology Curriculum is a two-year, four semester program which provides atheoretical and laboratory experience in optics enabling the student to explore the practical knowledge of the function and application of all types of corrective devices for vision correction. The training includes the identification and application of lens design and types, prescription analysis, ophthalmic assisting, spectacles fabrication, spectacle dispensing, geometric optics theory, anatomy and physiology of the eye, business management, professional ethics, contact lens application and dispensing, off-campus clinical experience, and communication and mathematics skills.

The following is a brief sampling of the more unique courses being offered and a listing of the required courses for the 2 year program.

VC140 OPHTHALMIC ASSISTING

A course designed for ophthalmic assistants. Topics include: ophthalmic medical history taking and guidelines, screening and emergency procedures, pretesting and surgical procedures and ophthalmic instrumentation.

VC141 ASSISTING AND REFRACTION LAB

This laboratory course provides practical application of knowledge acquired in OD140. Students build proficiency in the operation of ophthalmic assisting and pre-testing instrumentation. Hands-on training includes tonometry, visual field testing, retinal photography, auto lensometry and automated refraction. Prerequisites: VC140

VC261 GENERAL DISPENSING PRACTICE

A course in agency observation, study and participation, aimed at orienting the student optician to specified field work assignment with emphasis on supervised participation in the work of ophthalmic dispensing agency. In addition to observing, reporting, and recording, there is a practical application of minor and major ophthalmic dispensing skills in an actual ophthalmic dispensing setting.

VC283 ADVANCED CONTACT LENS LAB

Practical applications of contact lens course. Topics include modifications of contact lenses, over-refraction of contact lenses, corneal photography, office management, and problem solving techniques. Not a required course.

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