The Opticianry Program is made possible via an inter-institutional agreement between Edison State College and Hillsborough Community College (HCC) in Tampa, Florida. Edison State College offers the general education portion of the degree and assists in the teaching of the vision care courses. The degree is granted by Hillsborough Community College. The program is delivered via distance learning technology combined with campus-based instruction. The laboratory courses are held in the new Vision Care Laboratory in the Kenneth P. Walker Health Sciences Building. An essential part of the eyecare delivery system, opticians measure, fit, and adapt eyeglasses and contact lenses to people with vision problems. Coursework covers basic ocular science including: optics, anatomy, contact lenses, and refractometry. It also allows the student to gain specific skills in professional management, eyewear fabrication, and dispensing. Clinical experience is gained at affiliate sites. Graduates of the program are eligible to take state and national certification and/or licensure exams for opticians.The Opticianry Program is accredited by the Commission on Opticianry Accreditation. The AS degree in Opticianry is conferred by Hillsborough College.
Career Industry/Opportunities:
- Licensed Opticians
- Eyecare Technician
- Lab Technician
- Opticianry Management Positions
Opticianry Graduates May Earn:
An entry level worker can expect to earn $23,710, while an experienced worker can expect to earn $45,375.*
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, there are 600 national openings per year. Consistently, 90% of Edison State’s graduates from this program are locally placed. **
* Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation retrieved January 2009.
** http://www.floridajobs.org/
Continuing Toward a Bachelor’s Degree?
For information about bachelor’s degree opportunities at Edison State College, please contact the Baccalaureate and University Programs Division at (239) 489-9295.
Course Prerequisites:
None
Program Prerequisites:
Students need to meet program requirements established by Hillsborough College.
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