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Optical Technician Program

Discover a career that combines technology and fashion.

9
months Quick start your career
2
locationsLos Angeles and Ontario
2
DAYS A WEEKIn-class, the rest online
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Prep patients for eye exams and help them find glasses that compliment their lifestyle.

Learn to perform pre-screening eye exams and help patients choose the right eye care solutions. Get experience both in the classroom and in the real world.

Train to help customers find eye care solutions they love, giving the gift of better vision. You'll get hands-on training working closely with optometrists, preparing patients for eye exams and filling prescriptions for eyeglass and contact lenses.

This program is taught in a blended format combining online classes and only 2 days a week of in-person instruction.

Although it is not required to work as an Optical Technician in California, graduates have the choice to pursue voluntary certification upon successful completion of the National Opticianry Competency Exam and Contact Lens Registry Exam administered by the American Board of Opticianry and National Contact Lens Examiners (ABO/NCLE).

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Learn to:

Conduct Eye Exam Pre-Screening Tests

Conduct Eye Exam Pre-Screening Tests

Dispense Eyeglasses

Dispense Eyeglasses

Prescription Management

Prescription Management

Adjust and Repair Frames

Adjust and Repair Frames

Edge and Fit Contact Lenses

Edge and Fit Contact Lenses

Optical Technician
Overview

The American Career College Optical Technician program is designed to help you prepare for an entry-level position as an optical technician, optical lab technician, or contact lens fitter.

Jobs like these require an interesting mix of clinical skills, salesmanship, and style including knowing how to perform these tasks:

  • Conduct basic eye exams
  • Fill prescriptions from both ophthalmologists and optometrists
  • Fit eyeglasses and contact lenses for people with eye problems
  • And many other important responsibilities*

American Career College's dynamic optical technician classes and curriculum can prepare you 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 for an Optometric Assistant certification.

The focus is on your success!

The goal of our classes and program is to help you graduate with the confidence and qualifications to begin your career as an optical technician.

*California Employment Development Department OCC Guide, Opticians, Dispensing in California

From lectures to real-world experience, our ACC programs are designed with your career in mind.

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From lectures to labs, our ACC curriculum is designed with you in mind.
A Day in the Life of an Optical Technician

As an Optical Technician, you'll help patients discover eye care solutions that not only improve their vision but make them feel good. You'll work in a doctor's office or retail setting assisting patients with fittings and recommending eyeglasses and contact lenses based on their occupation, hobbies, and facial features.

Here are some things you may do:

  • Help patients fit and select contact lenses and glasses
  • Perform basic eye exams
  • Fabricate lenses to fit prescriptions
  • Adjust and repair frames
What Will I Be Trained to Do as an Optical Technician?

Choosing the right eyeglasses or lenses is an important decision. Optical technicians are there to help clients find the right choice for them. Students in our optical technician program will be trained to do the following:

  • Assist customers in selecting and fitting eyeglasses or contact lenses
  • Provide information on options including frames, tints, and coating options
  • Make recommendations based on customers’ needs, occupation, and habits
  • Fit eyeglasses and make adjustments as needed
  • Provide instructions on how to care for eyewear or contact lenses1

1 California Employment Development Department OCC Guide, Opticians, Dispensing in California

Am I a Good Fit for the Optical Technician Program?

If you love working directly with people and helping them find the right products for their needs, you might enjoy a career as an optical technician.

Here are some of the top skills and attributes that make for a great optical technician:

Speaking and communication – Optical technicians work directly with customers, covering information on options including frames, tints, and coating. They should be able to communicate effectively to help customers make the best decision.

Active listening – Optical technicians should be able to listen to and understand customer concerns to make the best recommendations possible.

Service orientation - A great optical technician is one with a passion for helping patients and for providing the best care possible.

Social perceptiveness – Being aware of and understanding customers’ reactions helps optical technicians provide patient-centered service.

Judgement and decision making – Optical technicians should be able to consider each patient’s needs and recommend the best products for each individual.

Where Can I Work as an Optical Technician?

Optical technicians can work in a variety of settings, including:

  • Optometrists’ offices
  • Optical labs
  • Retail vision centers
  • Ophthalmologists’ offices1

1California Employment Development Department OCC Guide, Opticians, Dispensing in California

What Will I Learn in the Optical Technician Program?

The American Career College Optical Technician curriculum is divided into standalone learning units called class modules, which include:

Light and Single Vision – Coursework in this module is designed to teach you the basic anatomy and physiology of the eye. Causes and treatments of low vision are discussed, and you will also receive hands-on training in lensometry, frame measurements and patient measurements.

Multifocals – In these courses, you will learn about different lens designs, prescription, true powers, transposition, metric system and diopter power. You will also practice the steps required to fabricate multifocal glasses using plastic, metal and nylon cord frames and receive hands-on experience in progressive lens mapping techniques.

Frames/Lenses – Coursework in this module covers different lens and frame materials and designs as well as various optical products available in the market. You will be introduced to salesmanship, and you will have the opportunity to practice frame standard and anatomical alignments and repairs.

Soft Contact Lenses – In these courses, you will study anatomy and the physiology of the eye as you learn to fit, insert and remove soft contact lenses. You will also gain hands-on practice with keratometer, slit lamp and other related instruments to verify CL parameters and be introduced to various complications and medical problems related to CL wear.

Rigid Contact Lenses – These courses focuses on teaching you the effect of vertex distance on lens power. Refractive errors are presented, and you will study the proper care system for rigid lenses. You will also be introduced to various complications and medical conditions that require specialty contact lens fitting.

Anatomy/Physiology/Prisms – In these courses, different lens designs, prescription, true powers, transposition, the metric system and diopter power are discussed, and you will learn to calculate the horizontal and vertical powers. You will also receive hands-on experience in lensometry, frame measurements and patient measurements while practicing the steps required to fabricate a pair of glasses with prescribed prisms.

Optical Office Procedures – Coursework in this class module prepares you for various tasks in an optical office, including the practicing of salesmanship through role-playing. You will also practice adjustments, repair frames using hand tools and learn about HIPAA and vision care billing.

Dispensing Optician Externship – Under the direct supervision of qualified personnel, you will be given the opportunity to demonstrate and reinforce the knowledge and skills presented and practiced throughout the school's training program.

For a complete description of coursework in these modules, please refer to the ACC Catalog.

How Long Will It Take to Get My Degree in the Optical Technician Program?

Students can earn their diploma to become an optical technican in as little as 9 months.

How Much is Tuition for the Optical Technician Program?

Our admissions advisors and financial aid advisors are here to support you. They can help you figure out the optical technician school cost and help you explore financial aid options.

To learn more about ACC’s Optical Technician program cost, access our tuition info.

Is Financial Aid Available for the Optical Technician Program?

Yes, financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify.

Will I Get Real-World Training?

Yes! ACC's optical technician program includes a 220 hour externship which gives students the opportunity to demonstrate and reinforce the knowledge and skills they acquired learning hands-on throughout the training program.

Optical Technician
After over 200 hours of your externship, you'll be ready to jump-start your new career.

Our classes are modeled after real-life situations, using the same equipment you'll come across in your first job, such as a Lensometer and Opikam. That way, you're prepared to jump in on your very first day.

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"ACC prepares you for your field by giving you hands-on experience and knowledge prior to working. Literally everything we did in our optics class, I do daily in the field."

- Nyisha W. '20

Optical Technician
What's Happening at American Career College
Want more details about the Optical Technician Program?

By clicking above, I consent to receive calls and/or text messages** by a college representative with information for educational opportunities at the number(s) provided above. I understand calls may be initiated by an automated telephone dialing system. I need not grant this consent to receive information or to be eligible to enroll with ACC. I also understand that if I no longer wish to receive text messages from ACC, I can text back "Stop" at any time to unsubscribe from the service. (**Standard rates may apply.)

*Required

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