AAS Degree

Program Overview

A.A.S. degree, 127 credits (46 in related instruction, 81 in major)

• Students can begin the Opticanry program in the fall and winter quarters only; work on related instruction can begin any quarter.
• The Opticianry program might be a good fit for you if you enjoy science, like working with your hands, are good at administrative and business-related tasks, and are comfortable working closely with people.
• Areas of study include courses in ophthalmic theory, ocular anatomy and physiology, contact lens technology and ophthalmic dispensing.
• Graduates are qualified to work as licensed dispensing opticians or sales representative in the eye care field. Opticians are also employed by optometrists, ophthalmologists, optical manufacturers and wholesalers.

This Opticianry Program is a two-year program that offers an associate of applied science degree in Opticianry and is nationally accredited by the Commission on Opticianry Accreditation (COA). According to the Washington State Administrative Code and Licensing Guidelines: "The ophthalmic dispenser (dispensing optician) prepares duplications of and dispenses lenses, spectacles, eyeglasses, and/or appurtenances for intended wearers on written prescriptions from physicians or optometrists; and in accordance with such prescriptions, the dispenser measures, adapts, adjusts and fabricates such lenses, spectacles, eyeglasses and/or appurtenances to the human face for the aid or correction of visual or ocular anomalies of the human eye." Other responsibilities may include business/administrative functions relating to record maintenance; purchasing and maintenance of supplies and equipment; physiognomy measurements; and preparation of laboratory job orders.

Graduates MUST pass a state-licensing exam to practice in this field. As part of licensure, four hours of HIV/AIDS education certification is required.

Career Opportunities

Students successfully completing the Opticianry Program and the licensure examination by the State of Washington will have the skills necessary to work as a dispensing optician or sales representative in the eye care field. Opticians are employed by optical firms, optometrists, ophthalmologists, optical manufacturers and wholesalers. Some graduates may become proprietors of their own dispensing establishments.

The U.S. Department of Labor in a recent study found opticianry to be one of the best professions for job security. Employment of opticians is expected to increase in the next decade as population growth continues in the Northwest; as the current trend in stylish eyewear accelerates; and as health care in general improves and visual deficiencies are detected in groups of the population that are now unserved. The earnings of qualified opticians are among the highest of health-care technicians.

Opticianry Program Statistics:

• Currently over 80% of entering students graduate.
• Job placement is excellent with a 95% rate of placement upon graduation.
• Students usually sit for the National Opticianry Competency Examination before graduation and have a pass rate of over 90% any given year
• Students usually sit for the National Contact Lens Examiners Examination before graduation and have a pass rate of over 90% any given year.
• Graduates must take and pass the Washington State dispensing optician licensing examination to practice in the state. Pass rate for graduates averages 85-95% for first time takers any given year. 100% of graduates pass within three attempts.

For Further Information:

The School of Opticianry
Health and Human Services
Seattle Central Community College
1701 Broadway, Room BE3210
Seattle, WA 98122
PHONE: (206) 344-4347
TTY: (206) 344-4347
FAX: (206) 587-6337