Program

Associate of Applied Science in Opticianry

The Opticianry program is offered exclusively at Hocking College’s Perry Campus in New Lexington, Ohio.

The program provides a combination of hands-on lab experience, clinical experience and a solid knowledge base.

Courses include Anatomy and Physiology of the Eye, Ophthalmic Dispensing, Geometric Optics, as well as Contact Lenses and Refraction. You will use your skills to interpret prescriptions and design, adapt and dispense optical aids, and grind and polish the lenses in preparation for their insertion into frames. Using optical tools, instruments and gauges, your education will give you the ability to determine if glasses and lenses are exactly as ordered.  The second year of study includes off-campus clinical experiences in various optical settings in and around the local area.
 
The coursework prepares students to successfully complete the licensing examinations to become and Ohio Licensed Dispensing Optician (LDO).  State licensing for graduates is administered through the Ohio Optical Dispensers Board. Board examinations are administered by The American Board of Opticianry (ABO) and the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE). The Hocking Opticianry program is approved by the Ohio Optical Dispensers Board.

Program Outcomes

The following outcomes are skills, behaviors, and attitudes cultivated in students seeking the Associate of Applied Science in Opticianry:

• Maintains professionalism and career development;
• Communicates and maintains effective relations with patients/customers;
• Operates and maintains opticianry equipment proficiently;
• Maintains records and assists business functions;
• Performs preliminary eye examinations;
• Demonstrates proficiency in fitting, dispensing, insertion of, and removal of both rigid and hydrogel contact lenses;
• Instructs patients about insertion, removal, and care of both rigid and hydrogel contact lenses;
• Employs proficient dispensing skills;
• Observes safe work practices; and
• Uses math skills (algebra, geometry, trigonometry) needed for routine opticianry applications.

Curriculum

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Opticianry program are employed in the following:

• Optical and other retail stores
• Offices of ophthalmologists and optometrists
• Hospital and eye care clinics
• Optical laboratories
• Manufacturers
• State and federal agencies

Occupational Profile