Application Deadline: Open until filled.
Successful completion of the two year Vision Care Technology Program results in an Associate in Applied Science degree. Opticians are licensed professionals who design and fit prescription eyeglasses, contact lens and other specialized optical devices. The patient brings the optician a prescription from their doctor and the optician determines the best way to fill that prescription based on the individuals specific needs. There are hundreds of different ways to fill any given prescription. There are many options such as lens materials, designs, colors, coatings, frame sizes and frame styles just to mention a few. Opticians select the best of these options for each patient based on his or her visual and fashion needs. The optician considers many patient variables; their prescription, the type of work they do, their hobbies, what sports they play and other special needs. Opticians need to make sure their patients see clearly, look attractive (we are also fashion consultants), and have properly adjusted and comfortable glasses and contact lenses that fit conveniently into their lifestyle.
Most opticians work in retail business settings and medical offices, providing eyewear directly to the public. However, some specialize in areas such as contact lens fitting, laboratory work, or as sales consultants for manufactures of spectacle frames, spectacle lenses or contact lenses. Some also have their own optical businesses and work for themselves.
Upon successful completion of the Vision Care Technology Program, the graduate is eligible to apply to take the Tennessee state licensing exams.
The Vision Care Technology Program is taught at the Roane County Main Campus.
Salaries for opticians vary greatly depending on where and for whom you work. The average salary for opticians in East Tennessee is around $36,000 with starting salaries about $25,000. However, many opticians earn significantly more than average by working their way up the management ladder in large corporate optical businesses. Also, entrepreneurial opticians may own their own businesses and work for themselves. For further information on the many varied opportunities available to graduates of the Vision Care Technology Program contact the program director.
Application Deadline: Open until filled.
VECT Admissions Information and Point System
RSCC Application - Steps 1 and 2 are required for admission to the College and Allied Health Sciences programs
Allied Health Sciences Application Information
Roane State Tuition & Fees
All tuition and fees are subject to change by the Tennessee Board of Regents.
* Program courses that are taken in an online format are subject to a distance education fee. A Specialized Allied Health Science Fee of $25 per credit hour will be applied to all Allied Health Science courses. See Tuition and Fees link above.
Books, Supplies and Additional Program Expenses
(Visit www.roanestate.edu/bookstore for book titles and prices)
Optical tool kit: approximately $300
Liability insurance: $15
The Vision Care Technology Program is accredited by the Commission on Opticianry Accreditation (COA) PO Box 592, Canton, NY. 13617; (703) 468-0566; www.coaccreditation.com.
Hali C Gibson
Click above for email address
(865) 354-3000 ext. 4930
Program Director
Mike Goggin
Click above for email address
(865) 354-3000 ext. 4319
Faculty
Montana L Nealon
Click above for email address
(865) 354-3000 ext. 4315
Faculty
Health Sciences Admission Advisor
Michael Burtch
(865) 354-3000, ext. 4705
hsnadmissions@roanestate.edu
Students in Roane State’s Opticianry Program, under the direct supervision of licensed instructors, operate an on-campus optical shop. The clinic operates during fall and spring semesters only. The clinic is open to RSCC students and employees, as well as, their family and friends.
For Information regarding program admission contact:
For program specific information contact:
Roane State Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity or national origin, sex, disability, age, status as protected veteran or any other class protected by Federal or State laws and regulation and by Tennessee board of Regents policies with respect to employment, programs, and activities. View full non-discrimination policy.
