Opticians design and fit eyewear such as glasses and contacts lenses. They may work in retail, corporate management, or start their own businesses. Vision Care Technology combines healthcare, business and even fashion. Roane State is the only community college in Tennessee with a Vision Care Technology program.
Three reasons to consider this program.
Opticians who work in corporate management can earn above average salaries.
Vision Care Technology is healthcare meets fashion. You help people see and look good.
Students run their own eye clinic at Roane State, giving them hands-on experience.
Before you sign up, make sure you understand...
Customer service is crucial. Courses such as English and speech will help you develop customer service skills.
Opticians are detail-oriented. One miscalculation can ruin eyeglasses or contacts.
Admission is competitive. The typical GPA for accepted students is about 3.5, and only about 24 spots are available.
Introduction to Vision CareIntroduction to Vision Care
VECT 1430
Anatomy and Physiology of the EyeAnatomy and Physiology of th…
MATH 1010
Math for General StudiesMath for General Studies
Courses Required for 1st Spring Term
Course Number
Course Title and Type
VECT 1420
Ophthalmic Dispensing IOphthalmic Dispensing I
VECT 1440
Ophthalmic Materials IOphthalmic Materials I
VECT 1330
Geometric Optics for OpticiansGeometric Optics for Opticia…
VECT 1450
Contact Lenses IContact Lenses I
Courses Required for 1st Summer Term
Course Number
Course Title and Type
COMM 2025
Fundamentals of CommunicationFundamentals of Communica…
ART 1035
Introduction to ArtIntroduction to Art
VECT 2140
PracticumPracticum
Courses Required for 2nd Fall Term
Course Number
Course Title and Type
VECT 2410
Ophthalmic Dispensing IIOphthalmic Dispensing II
VECT 2420
Ophthalmic Materials IIOphthalmic Materials II
VECT 2430
Contact Lenses IIContact Lenses II
ALHS 2311
Management and Leadership for Allied Health SupervisorsManagement and Leadersh…
Courses Required for 2nd Spring Term
Course Number
Course Title and Type
VECT 2460
Ophthalmic Dispensing IIIOphthalmic Dispensing III
VECT 2470
Ophthalmic Materials IIIOphthalmic Materials III
VECT 2480
Contact Lenses IIIContact Lenses III
PSYC 1030
Introduction to PsychologyIntroduction to Psychol…
1st Fall
1st Spring
1st Summer
2nd Fall
2nd Spring
Important Dates and Events
Oct in 1st Fall
Oct
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FAFSA
Nov in 1st Fall
Nov
Register
Mar in 1st Spring
Mar
See advisor
Apr in 1st Spring
Apr
Register
Sept in 2nd Fall
Sept
Application for Graduation
Oct in 2nd Fall
Oct
See advisor
Nov in 2nd Fall
Nov
Register
Feb in 2nd Spring
Feb
Exit exam
Mar in 2nd Spring
Mar
Job search
Notes and Map Legend
Key Course: program faculty have identified this course as key to your success
Recommended Elective: check catalog for other acceptable courses
This map assumes completion of course prerequisites
**Average of 2019 - 2021 graduates
Notes and Map Legend
Key Course: program faculty have identified this course as key to your success
Recommended Elective: check catalog for other acceptable courses
This map assumes completion of course prerequisites
**Average of 2019 - 2021 graduates
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.
Credentialing Requirements
Upon successful completion of the Vision Care Technology Program, the graduate is eligible to apply to take the Tennessee state licensing exams.
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.
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.
Optical tool kit: approximately $300
Liability insurance: $15
Accreditation
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.
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.
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.
