Opticianry AAS

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PURPOSE

The Opticianry Associate of Applied Science (AAS) program prepares graduates for all phases of the fabrication, fitting, and dispensing of eyeglasses and contact lenses, including surfacing, finishing, eyeglass dispensing, and contact lens fitting.

OCCUPATIONAL OBJECTIVES

Branch Manager
Contact Lens Technician
Ophthalmic Dispenser
Ophthalmic Research Technician
Ophthalmic Sales Representative
Optical Laboratory Manager
Optical Laboratory Technician
Optician
Private Practitioner

PROGRAM LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Opticianry AAS graduates demonstrate:

Theoretical and technical optical knowledge at the level of licensed optician in the state of Virginia and other states requiring accreditation with similar requirements
Clinical optical skills at the level of licensed optician in the state of Virginia and other states requiring accreditation with similar requirements
Clinical competency in basic contact lens fitting
Entry-level business skills within the Opticianry profession

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

General college curricular admission

PROGRAM NOTES

Students admitted into this program will be approved for entry into major/clinical courses (Optical Theory I or higher) when they have satisfied these requirements:

Meet with department chair or faculty advisor to review academic records and discuss program requirements and career goals
Recommendation: prospective students should complete one unit each of high school Algebra, Biology, and Physics

Students acquire direct patient-related practical skills by completing eyeglass and contact lens clinical coursework at on campus or off-campus clinical sites. All students must complete an Assumption of Risk agreement prior to taking any clinical courses. Courses in the program may be offered on campus or online. Students in the online program must attend mandatory clinical classes offered at an approved facility. Exams and major assessments must be taken in an approved, proctored environment as determined by the program faculty.

Graduation from this program prepares one for the licensing examination and contact lens fitting endorsement given by the Virginia State Board of Opticians. This accredited program is also approved by other state licensing boards.

FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS

Additional expenses may apply beyond regular college tuition and fees:

Online students are required to use an approved proctor and are responsible for fees incurred
Online students in a clinical setting must have access to specific optical tools and equipment to successfully complete coursework
Students using off-campus locations may need to purchase tools or equipment if they do not have access to them at their approved location

► More information: Opticianry AAS Program

COMPUTER COMPETENCY REQUIREMENT

Students in this program will meet the college’s computer competency requirement by successfully completing SDV 100 or SDV 101 .

PROGRESSION THROUGH THE PROGRAM

Students who receive a final grade lower than “71” in any of the Opticianry courses must repeat the course and gain permission from the department chair to continue in the program.

Reynolds relies on affiliation agreements with community agencies to provide clinical education opportunities for their students. The rapid changes in health care law, standards of practice, technology, content of credentialing examinations, and availability of qualified faculty increasingly necessitate sudden changes in the program’s course content, policies, procedures, and course scheduling. As a result, the college cannot guarantee every student continuous and uninterrupted clinical and course instruction as outlined in the printed catalog curriculum for this program. Circumstances beyond the control of the college may necessitate the postponement of course offerings or changes in the sequencing and/or location of scheduled courses or clinical assignments. Additionally, the college may have to change the instructor for courses after instruction has started.

ACCREDITATION

The Opticianry AAS program is accredited by:

COMMISSION ON OPTICIANRY ACCREDITATION
P.O. Box 73862
North Chesterfield, VA 23235

► COA website

Program Maps

A Program Map is a template an advisor uses to create an individual Academic Plan for a student. The Academic Plan becomes customized based on a student’s goals, preferences, and previous coursework in High School or elsewhere.

Opticianry AAS Full-time Program Map

Opticianry AAS Part-time Program Map

Planning Tools

Is it right for you? Career Connect Center at Reynolds College for tools to explore career options, develop professional skills, and connect with employers.

What’s next? Check out TransferVA to learn how your Reynolds classes may transfer to in-state colleges.

Customized program maps: Once enrolled, students will have access to our Navigate software, with options to customize their program maps based on post-graduation and transfer goals.