The Opticianry diploma program prepares students for employment in a variety of positions in today’s Opticianry field. A licensed dispensing optician (LDO) can be described as a visual pharmacist who fills the written prescription orders of Ophthalmologists and Optometrists. The Opticianry program teaches students how to fabricate prescription lenses, from semi-finished lens blanks, to be inserted into fashionable eyewear worn by the patient. Adjusting and fitting eyewear as well as frame selection and dispensing are also part of the curriculum. The Opticianry program provides learning opportunities which introduce, develop, and reinforce academic and occupational knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement. Additionally, the program provides opportunities to upgrade present knowledge and skills or to retrain in the area of Opticianry management. Graduates of the program receive an Opticianry diploma.
Employment Opportunities
Graduates of the Opticianry diploma program are prepared for responsible positions in doctors’ offices, wholesale optical laboratories and retail dispensing locations, along with sales positions and positions with wholesale companies.
Licensure/Certification
Once students have successfully completed the program and passed the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) and National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) exams, they are eligible to complete and submit the application for Licensure Examination to the Georgia State Board of Licensing for Dispensing Opticians, which is comprised of a Contact Lens and Optical Practicum. Students must be 18 years of age to take the certification exam.
Admissions Criteria
- Submit a completed application and application fee;
- Be at least 16 years of age;
- Submit official high school transcript or GED transcript;
- Submit official college transcripts, if applicable
- Meet the following assessment requirements:
| Test |
Reading |
Writing |
Numerical |
Algebra |
| Accuplacer |
55 |
60 |
34 |
NA |
| Accuplacer (Next Gen) |
224 |
236 |
229 |
NA |
| Compass |
70 |
32 |
26 |
NA |
| SAT |
16 |
15 |
18 |
NA |
| SAT |
270 |
280 |
310 |
NA |
| ACT |
14 |
13 |
14 |
NA |
| ASSET |
37 |
38 |
32 |
NA |
| PSAT |
16 |
15 |
18 |
NA |
| GED |
NA |
145 |
145 |
NA |
| TABE |
461 |
NA |
442 |
NA |
Opticianry Diploma Curriculum
The curriculum for the Opticianry diploma program is designed for the semester system. A student may enter the program any semester, but this may add to the total semesters required. To graduate, diploma-seeking students must earn a minimum of 59 semester credit hours. The program requires a minimum of 1560 contact hours and generally takes 5 semesters to complete.
Fully online classes are only available to students currently working in-field or have an approved mentor. Students must receive prior approval for their mentor from the opticianry faculty.
Program Courses
Basic Skills Courses (6 Credits)
Occupational Courses (53 Credits)
NOTE: “C” or higher grade is required for all the above courses.
Program Costs
Tuition ($100 per credit hour): $5,900
Fees: ($385 per semester): $1,925
Books/Supplies: $1,500
Uniform Costs: Approximately $80
Liability Insurance: Liability Insurance (click to find your program)
(Costs are estimates and are subject to change.)
Occupational Based Instruction
Number of sites: 20
General location of the sites: Bulloch, Burke, Chatham, Candler, Effingham, Emanuel, Toombs, Evans Counties, and Bluffton, South Carolina.
Occupational Based Courses
The Opticianry diploma program occupational based instruction provides students with an opportunity for in-depth application and reinforcement of principles and techniques in a real-world setting. The practicum allows the student to become involved in a professional work situation applying technical skills. The occupational based instruction requires that students spend a minimum of 15 hours a week in a supervised work setting for a total of 225 hours; during that time, students are evaluated by the preceptor and the externship coordinator.