Allied Health
Vision Care Technology
Program Description
The vision care technology program prepares students to
support physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases
and to assist them with refractive lens and other surgeries. Program
participants will have access to the latest in vision care technology and
equipment as well as the newest fashion designer eyewear in order to make
appropriate recommendations to patients. Graduates of this program may
enter a field where there is an increasing demand for successful
professionals, for over half of the U.S. population requires some sort of
eye care! The aging population needs have stimulated technical
advancements in ophthalmic lens materials, new contact lens design and
increased medical/surgical treatment procedures. This factor provides a
special opportunity for those individuals who enjoy the challenge of
keeping abreast of change.
Students may earn a vision care specialist certificate by taking the
three-quarter professional vision care curriculum Graduates are prepared
to sit for the nationally recognized Optometric Certification (A.O.A.)
and/or Optician Certification (A.B.O.) exam.
Those students wishing to pursue a Vision Care Technology A.A.S. degree
may take the additional three quarters of liberal arts curriculum. Both
programs are accredited by the Council on Optometric Education
Association.
Program Goals
Students who successfully complete this program will be able to:
- utilize business management skills as thy relate to the vision care field;
- compare different roles of the assistant in optometry, ophthalmology, and opticianry;
- perform a variety of eye-testing skills to assist the practitioner in providing full range and high quality of vision care;
- problem solve for each patient in clinical practice while performing clinical practice preliminary testing, contact lens evaluation and eyeglass dispensing;
- analyze the professional and ethical practice of eye care;
- develop a personal commitment to professional growth and development of life long learning.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the program may work in general optometry offices, medical eye
clinics of optical dispensaries, medical and optical equipment manufacturers, and
supply companies, pharmaceutical companies, research laboratories and universities, They may be hired
to work in specific specialty areas that include contact lens clinics, low vision of pediatric
orthoptic/visual therapy areas. In these practices, the technician conducts unique testing procedures
and implements special patient instruction. With a year or more experience, technicians can usually
qualify for openings anywhere in the nation, making job mobility an asset.