Ophthalmic Dispensing

The Ophthalmic Dispensing program prepares a student for a career in vision care. The curriculum in ophthalmic dispensing represents a carefully planned balance of theory and clinical practice in all aspects of the profession.

A licensed ophthalmic dispenser (optician) is an eye care professional who analyzes and interprets prescriptions written by ophthalmologists and optometrists in order to design, fit, and dispense eyeglasses and contact lenses for a patient’s optimum visual needs. The ophthalmic dispenser (optician) has direct contact with patients, including reviewing patient history, and selects and provide patients with effective vision correction and comfortable eyewear. A licensed professional optician may perform duties such as: optical sales and precision measurements, practice management, eyewear fabrication, contact lens fitter, reception/patient record keeping, and insurance billing.

A graduate of the program may become the proprietor of an ophthalmic dispensing firm. Other career opportunities include  positions as an ophthalmic dispenser, contact lens fitter, an ophthalmic assistant, an ophthalmic sales representative, or an optical research technician. Among the employers of the graduates of this program are independent opticians, ophthalmologists, optometrists, HMOs, eye and ear hospitals, wholesale/retail optical establishments and national and international corporations.

Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete the Ophthalmic Dispensing program:

1. Possess the academic, technical and clinical skills to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of an eyecare professional/ophthalmic dispenser (optician)

2. Function well in a variety of eyecare work environments

3. Communicate clearly in written and oral presentation

4. Understand the ethical responsibilities and implications of one’s work and personal actions

5. Apply problem–solving techniques to the workplace

6.  Provide ophthalmic dispensing eyecare professionals with a broad educational background to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public

Admission Requirements

After admission to the college, first-year and transfer students may be admitted as space permits. Transfer students must be proficient in mathematics and have a minimum GPA of 2.0. If the number of students exceeds the available places in the program, seats will be allocated on the basis of the highest cumulative academic average.

Progression and Graduation Requirements

• A minimum grade of “C” in each course designated with the prefix VCT will be required for progression in and graduation from the program.

Special conditions of equipment and faculty availability govern the repeating of vision care technology courses; course repetition is permitted only after all students meeting the entrance requirements have been allotted seats. No vision care technology course may be repeated more than once. In addition:

• No more than two vision care technology courses may be repeated during the entire course of study.

• A student may not fail more than one course in any one semester.

• If a student fails to meet any of these provisions, they will be required to withdraw from the program.

Professional Licensure

Successful completion of the degree qualifies graduates for the New York State licensing examination for ophthalmic dispensers and makes them eligible to take the New York State examination for certification as a contact lens fitter. For more information about the exam, visit the American Board of Opticianry site.

Accreditation

The AAS in Ophthalmic Dispensing is accredited by the Commission of Opticianry Accreditation (COA).

Approximate Additional Costs

New York State licensure registration fee $108
Ophthalmic Dispensing Practical $525
Contact Lens Practical $150
National licensure fee (ABO) $225
National licensure fee (NCLE) $225

Advisement Information

The program offices and eyeglass clinic are located in A/812; VisionCare@citytech.cuny.edu; Phone: 718-260-5298; Fax: 718-254-8521.

Academic Advisor, Dr. Kara Pasner, KPasner@citytech.cuny.edu