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.
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.
This Opticianry program is offered through a collaboration between Southwestern Community College and Durham Technical Community College. Students must complete an application to both colleges to participate. General education courses will be taken with SCC and OPH-specific courses will be taken remotely through DTCC. There are in-person clinical and lab requirements that may be completed at SCC or DTCC, based on student location.
Prospective students may contact Southwestern’s Amber Upton at 828-339-4037 or a_upton@southwesterncc.edu with questions.
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 Opticianry program is offered through a collaboration between Southwestern Community College and Durham Technical Community College. Students must complete an application to both colleges to participate. General education courses will be taken with SCC and OPH-specific courses will be taken remotely through DTCC. There are in-person clinical and lab requirements that may be completed at SCC or DTCC, based on student location.
Prospective students may contact Southwestern’s Amber Upton at 828-339-4037 or a_upton@southwesterncc.edu with questions.
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.
Our students can go into these careers: