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.
COA accreditation status is scheduled for Fall 2023. Those who apply now will graduate from an accredited
program.*
*pending approval from the Commission of Opticianry Accreditation
WHAT YOU CAN EARN
For more information about this field, including salary and career pathways, check out this link on our Career Coach assessment tool.
A CLOSER LOOK
Check out this video to learn about the program and the perks of working in this field.
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.
