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You have the doctor's written prescription, right? Make the appropriate measurements. Think about his lifestyle. Check out your vast supply of designer eyeglass frames. Make your recommendations. You're the one who'll design the lenses and make sure that these glasses are just what the patient needs. Oh, contact lenses, too? No problem... Explore Opticianry.
The Program
The Opticianry program gives students a deep foundation of knowledge in lens design, optics and the practice of opticianry, as well as intense hands-on applications in a clinical setting. The instructors bring over 40 years of experience to the students.
You must be licensed to be a practicing optician in the state of Ohio. Prepare for licensure in this exclusive program, offered at the Hocking College Perry County Campus in New Lexington, Ohio. You will:
- Learn to fit and dispense optical aids using a prescription written by a doctor
- Assist patients in lens and frame selection
- Measure the shape and size of the eye for contact lenses and select the appropriate material.
- Evaluate a patient's prescription and appropriate measurements, and prepare the work order for the optical laboratory
- Use optical tools and gages to make sure that the glasses or contact lenses are exactly as you ordered them
Don't forget about the business end of things- you'll learn to complete insurance forms, maintain inventory, patient files and lab records, and supervise personnel!
Learn By Doing
Combine hands-on lab experiences and clinical experiences out in the real world. Your experience begins in our state-of-the-art laboratory. Hocking College has 3 complete refracting lanes, a fully equipped dispensary, and a complete finishing laboratory. After learning about the anatomy and physiology of the eye, ophthalmic dispensing, geometric optics, mechanical optics, contact lenses and refractions, you'll be out in the real world. Try out different optical settings, ranging from optical stores, private offices and eye care clinics as you gain clinical experience.
Jobs for Grads
Out of the Gate - Right after graduating grads find jobs as:
- Optometry Technicians in an Optometrist's office
- Ophthalmology Technicians in an Ophthalmologist's office
- Opticians
- Lab Technicians
Job Market Outlook
- Expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupation through 2014.
- Because the number of middle-aged and elderly persons is projected to increase rapidly, there will be a continued need for dispensing opticians.
What Can I Expect to Earn
Among other factors, salaries may vary by geographic region, cost of living, and employee’s previous experience. The following salary information is based on national averages.
Earnings of Dispensing Opticians in May 2004:
| $27,950 |
$21,360-$35,940 |
$17,390 |
$45,340 |
Job Outlook & Earnings from Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07 Edition, Opticians, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos098.htm
The Opticianry program has a 100% graduate placement rate.
Down the Road - With more experience, some grads move on to positions like:
- Optical Manager
- Store Owner
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