Optical Dispensing Program
Dispensing Opticians help people see better and look good at the same time. In Optical Dispensing, daily duties may include conducting basic eye exams, filling prescriptions from both ophthalmologists and optometrists, and fitting eyeglasses and contact lenses for people with eye problems.
If you're looking for a fast track to your diploma, ACC offers an option that allows you to complete the Optical Dispensing program in as little as 6 months.*
* Program lengths vary by schedule and session
The exciting Optical Dispensing program will prepare you for a new career, and for the National Opticianry Competency Exam and Contact Lens Registry Exam administered by the American Board of Opticianry and National Contact Lens Examiners (ABO/NCLE). Doing well on this exam can be an important step toward achieving Optometric Assistant certification.
Your Optical Technician training will include a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on practice, and an externship. When you complete the program, you'll be awarded a diploma and will have confidence that you're ready for the next step.
ACC offers flexible schedules to fit almost any lifestyle. The Optical Dispensing program can be taken during the day (40 weeks), in the evening (50 weeks) or in an accelerated format (23 weeks). Whichever schedule you choose, you'll be getting the same quality training that ACC has provided for over 30 years.
Click here to contact an Admissions Advisor to learn more or call 877-832-0790 to learn more about our Optical Dispensing program.
What will I be trained to do in this field?
As an Optical Dispenser, you'll receive and interpret data from the optometrist or ophthalmologist, and combine that data with the needs and choices of the patient as they select the best lens/frame combination.
Your clients will be counting on you to know about the latest advances in technology. They'll be consulting with you for your professional opinion, in order to make informed eye care choices.
What will I learn in the Optical Dispensing program?
The course is comprised of distinct modules related to Optical Dispensing followed by an externship.
- Introduction to the Heath Care Professions
- Light and Single Vision
- Multifocals
- Frames/Lenses
- Soft Contact Lenses
- Rigid Contact Lenses
- Anatomy/Physiology/Prisms
- Optical Office Procedures
- Externship
You'll get quality classroom and hands-on experience with a variety of equipment such as:
- Lensometers
- Pattern Makers
- Layout Blockers
- Lens Groovers
- Lens Polishers
- Keratometers
- Pupilometers
- Radiuscopes
This is a great program for people who like to work with their hands, solve problems and enjoy a challenge.
What are some career opportunities for graduates of Optical Dispenser schools?
Our graduates from the Optical Dispensing program have a variety of career options and can enjoy careers in positions such as:
- Optical Lab Technicians
- Contact Lens Fitters
- Opticians
- Retail in Vision Centers
What's the career outlook?
Employment for this important career is expected to grow by as much as 13% between 2008 and 2018.*
Start Optical Dispensing training by pursuing our...
- Orange County Optical Dispensing program
- Ontario Optical Dispensing program
- Los Angeles Optical Dispensing program
Program Information Disclosure
| O*Net Occupation Titles | Soc Code | Links to Occupational Profiles on O*Net |
| Opticians, Dispensing: Optician, Dispensing Optician, Licensed Optician, Optometric Assistant, Certified Optician, Licensed Dispensing Optician, Ophthalmic Dispenser, Optometric Technician, Optical Technician, Contact Lens Technician | 29-2081.00 | http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/29-2081.00 |
| Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians: Lab Technician, Optical Technician, Surfacing Technician, Finishing Lab Technician, Lens Grinder and Polisher, Optical Lab Technician, Grinder, Edger Technician, Line Operator, Polisher | 51-9083.00 | http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/51-9083.00 |
| On-time Completion Rate (2010/2011 Award Year) |
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| Los Angeles | Orange County | Ontario | Consolidated Rate |
| 60% | 44% | 36% | 48% |
| Placement Rate Reported to ABHES (2010/2011 Award Year) |
||
| Los Angeles | Orange County | Ontario |
| 73% | 64% | 74% |
| Median Loan Debt (2010/2011 Award Year) |
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| Los Angeles | Orange County | Ontario | Consolidated Median Loan Debt | |
| Title IV HEA Programs: | $9,353.00 | $9,357.50 | $9,357.50 | $9,357.50 |
| Private Loans/Institutional Financing Plan: |
$184.50 | $181.75 | $183.50 | $183.50 |
Current Estimated Tuition and Fees: Standard schedule $17,067.50; Accelerated schedule $13,057.50
To review the terms and definitions for the chart above, or to see the outcome information for ACC's other programs, and to view state disclosure information, visit: americancareercollege.edu/disclosures.
*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11
Not all programs are offered at all locations.
Career Fact
As the share of the population in older age groups increases, more opticians will be needed to provide service to elderly citizens.*
