Opticianry/Ophthalmic Dispensing Optician
A program that prepares individuals to adapt and fit corrective eyewear, including eyeglasses and contact lenses, as prescribed by ophthalmologists or optometrists; to assist patients in selecting appropriate frames; and to prepare work orders for ophthalmic laboratory technicians. Includes instruction in geometrical optics, ophthalmic optics, anatomy of the eye, optical instrumentation, use and maintenance of adjustment and cleaning tools, prescription interpretation, contact lens adaptation and fitting, prosthesis fitting, facial and eye measuring, pathology identification, record-keeping, and patient and business administrative tasks.
- Schools offering
- 25
- Annual completions
- 224
- Typical degree level
- Associate's
- Median earnings (5yr)
- $52k
About this major
A program that prepares individuals to adapt and fit corrective eyewear, including eyeglasses and contact lenses, as prescribed by ophthalmologists or optometrists; to assist patients in selecting appropriate frames; and to prepare work orders for ophthalmic laboratory technicians. Includes instruction in geometrical optics, ophthalmic optics, anatomy of the eye, optical instrumentation, use and maintenance of adjustment and cleaning tools, prescription interpretation, contact lens adaptation and fitting, prosthesis fitting, facial and eye measuring, pathology identification, record-keeping, and patient and business administrative tasks.
Where this major leads
Occupations most often associated with this major, from the federal BLS+O*NET crosswalk. Job-growth projections and median wages are national.
| Occupation | Median wage | Job growth | Typical education |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opticians, dispensing | $47k | +2.9% | High school diploma or equivalent |
Earnings at a glance
Median graduate earnings from the federal College Scorecard, 5 and 10 years out.
Median 5-year earnings
$52k
Top colleges for Opticianry/Ophthalmic Dispensing Optician
Ranked by annual completions at the associate's or bachelor's level — a proxy for program scale.
| College | Location | Assoc. | Bach. | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hillsborough Community College | Tampa, FL | 42 | 0 | 42 |
| CUNY New York City College of Technology | Brooklyn, NY | 20 | 0 | 20 |
| Roane State Community College | Harriman, TN | 14 | 0 | 14 |
| Broward College | Fort Lauderdale, FL | 13 | 0 | 13 |
| Durham Technical Community College | Durham, NC | 13 | 0 | 13 |
| College of Southern Nevada | Las Vegas, NV | 12 | 0 | 12 |
| J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Richmond, VA | 11 | 0 | 11 |
| Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology | Boston, MA | 11 | 0 | 11 |
| Connecticut State Community College | New Britain, CT | 10 | 0 | 10 |
| Camden County College | Blackwood, NJ | 10 | 0 | 10 |
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