Opticianry
Associate of Applied Science

Located in Richmond, Virginia, Reynolds is one of the few colleges in the country to offer its Opticianry AAS Degree entirely online. Contact lens training for opticians seeking NCLE certification is also available through the JSRCC distance education program.

The program deals with the designing, making, and fitting of eyeglasses, contact lenses and other ophthalmic devices to aid in providing comfortable and efficient vision. Students acquire direct patient-related practical skills by taking clinical course work in on-campus eyeglass and contact lens clinics in which actual patients are serviced. Students also learn business-related expertise by participating in a clinical management sequence and specific business course work. Students who receive a final grade lower than "C" in any of the Opticianry courses must obtain permission from the program head to continue the major in Opticianry. Graduation from this program prepares one for the licensing examination given by the Virginia State Board of Opticians for registration as a registered optician and certified contact lens fitter.

What does a person in Opticianry do?

A Licensed Optician is a professional who has the responsibility for the dispensing of eyewear, including spectacles, contact lenses, low-vision aids, and accessories.  The optician may fabricate, verify, and fit eyeglasses, contact lenses and other optical devices upon the written prescription of a medical doctor or doctor of optometry.  Once presented with this prescription, an optician is responsible for analyzing and interpreting the prescription to determine the lenses that are best suited to the patient’s lifestyle and visual needs. Frame selection, including size and material, is then chosen.  The optician takes measurements to insure proper lens placement in the frame, and must verify the accuracy of the finished product.  The glasses are adjusted to the patient by the optician at the time of delivery.  Other duties include occasional adjustments to retain proper fit, replacements, and repairs of lenses and frames. 
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What is the job outlook for Licensed Opticians?

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employment of dispensing opticians is expected to grow about as fast as average for all occupations through 2014 as demand grows for corrective lenses. The number of middle-aged and elderly persons is projected to increase rapidly. Middle age is a time when many individuals use corrective lenses for the first time, and elderly persons generally require more vision care than others. Fashion also influences demand. Frames come in a growing variety of styles and colors—encouraging people to buy more than one pair.

How much money does an Licensed Optician make?

According to the The Virginia Employment Commission, the median annual earnings of dispensing opticians were $40,700 in 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $31,400 and $49,200. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $23,800, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $57,700. State and National wages are as follows:

What does a person in Licensed Opticianry do?

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, dispensing opticians prepare work orders that give ophthalmic laboratory technicians information needed to grind and insert lenses into a frame. The work order includes prescriptions for lenses and information on their size, material, color, and style. Some dispensing opticians grind and insert lenses themselves. After the glasses are made, dispensing opticians verify that the lenses have been ground to specifications. Then they may reshape or bend the frame, by hand or using pliers, so that the eyeglasses fit the customer properly and comfortably. Some also fix, adjust, and refit broken frames. They instruct clients about adapting to, wearing, or caring for eyeglasses.

To fit contact lenses, contact lens certified opticians measure the shape and size of the eye, select the type of contact lens material, and prepare work orders specifying the prescription and lens size. Fitting contact lenses requires considerable skill, care, and patience. Opticians observe customers’ eyes, corneas, lids, and contact lenses with specialized instruments and microscopes. During several follow-up visits, opticians teach proper insertion, removal, and care of contact lenses. Opticians do all this to ensure that the fit is correct.