Allied Health
Vision Care Specialist
Questions and Answers
What do Vision Care Specialists do?
Vision care specialists and technicians fill
eyeglass prescriptions or recommend new, fashion designer eyewear, treat eye
diseases and are ale to attend refractive lens and other surgeries. They
work in a fast-paced environment assisting physicians in testing patients
for glaucoma, high blood pressure, diabetes, depth perception, color
blindness, peripheral and central vision, and a variety of degenerative
diseases. Consequently, the ability to work with all types of people is a
vast importance.
Both specialists and technicians acquire the
skills necessary to fun a professional vision care office smoothly and
efficiently, however graduates of the technician program are more likely
to advance into managing the office, training staff and hiring personnel.
What programs does SCC offer in the vision care
field?
SCC offers two options--a three-quarter certificate
program and a six-quarter associate in applied science (A.A.S.) degree
program. Students in both programs use advanced technology while working
with all types of patients, from young children to senior citizens.
A graduate of the three-quarter certificate program
is called a vision care specialist. The course of study is geared toward
providing the basic, essential knowledge and skills needed for employment in
a vision care setting.
A graduate of the six-quarter A.A.S degree
program is called a vision care technician. This option offers students
solid training and skills in preparation for higher management positions.
It also provides a foundation for those who wish to complete their
associate of arts (A.A.) transfer degree, or pursue a career as an
optometrist or as a vision care manager in a clinic or HMO.
What classes will I take?
The core curriculum consists of anatomy and
physiology of the eye, optics of light and lenses, ophthalmic mechanics
and specialties, cosmetics of frame styling, contact lens technology;
professional ethics and communication. Also addressed are office
procedures, management and computer-related technical skills. Instructors
balance classroom and laboratory learning to ensure students have a solid
knowledge of theoretical as well as applied principles. During the third
quarter of study, students intern in a clinical setting in order to
enhance their on-the-job performance. Students
pursuing the technician option choose from electives in science (biology,
chemistry or physics); accounting or small business planning; and the
humanities (philosophy, psychology, sociology or intercultural
communication).
What are the prerequisites?
Applicants must have passing scores on SCC's ASSET
tests in order to qualify for enrollment. Students enrolled in the program
must earn a grade point of 2.0 or better in all professional classes.
Please see the
suggested
course of study
for more information.
Where can I get a job?
SCC offers the only vision care program in eastern Washington, and it
has a national reputation for developing top professionals. As a result
our vision care graduates enjoy and extremely high placement rate. New
testing methods, faster eyeglass manufacturing, higher quality
requirements, demand for larger product lines and new regulations together
have resulted in an ongoing need for qualified professionals to serve in
the vision care industry.
Potential employers include optometrists, opticians, ophthalmologists,
eye clinics, medical and optical equipment manufacturers and supply
companies, pharmaceutical companies, research laboratories, and
universities.
Graduates who are interested in becoming opticians can earn their
license by working three years with an eye doctor or optician, then
passing the Washington state licensing examination.
How much will I earn?
Most graduates work for eye care professionals,
earning entry-level wages of $8 to $12 per hour. With a year or more
experience, salaries usually range from $12 to $17 per hour, depending on
skills, responsibilities and job location. Those who pursue work sales can
often create successful careers with onnual salaries ranging from $25,000
to over $40,000 per year.
National surveys show that those with an A.A.S.
degree often are promoted sooner and typically earn a higher income for
their additional education.