The Optical Technician Program is an academic certificate that prepares students for occupations in visual technology services. The certificate includes online classroom instruction, in-person laboratory practice and an internship in a vision services or retail opticianry business where students will assess patients and provide eye glass fitting services. Skills that will be learned include eye glass fitting and adjustment, manufacturing of lenses and frames and business concepts for optical services. This program is designed to be a full-time or part-time certificate that is 75% online. The SCC Optical Technology website will have current offering information for the part time or full time tracks. After successful completion of the curriculum, the student is eligible to take the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) Examination and upon passing becomes a Certified Optician. This evidence of competence is recognized throughout the United States. In addition, graduates will be able to apply for registration as a Registered Spectacle Lens Dispenser with the California State Board of Optometry. In addition to normal student expenses (for textbooks, etc.), the optical technician program requires an expenditure of approximately $400.00 during the certificate program for lab coat/uniforms, special supplies and transportation costs for internships. Applicants are encouraged to check with the Financial Aid Office for possible assistance before entering the program if this creates a hardship.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

✔ analyze professional, ethical, legal, business and regulatory concepts to eyeglass services, community projects, and professional activities.

✔ correlate health literacy and culturally competent communication skills to eyeglass services, academic endeavors, community projects, and professional activities.

✔ prioritize critical thinking and self-assessment skills to enhance learning, research, patient care, and professional growth.

✔ integrate knowledge of the practice of opticianry to the demonstration of optician related skills in customer service, business skills, eye glass lens and frame manufacturing processes, and delivery of optician care services.

✔ synthesize knowledge necessary for successful completion of the National American Board of Opticianry (ABO) Examination and California State Board of Optometry’s Registration as a Spectacle Lens Dispenser (RSLD).

To be eligible for enrollment in the program, the student must meet the following criteria:

✔ Completion of online application form.

Eligible students are selected for the program according to the following steps:

✔ Complete the online application form per the Sac City Optical Technology website.
In the event there are more applicants than spaces available, students will be entered into a random selection pool.

✔ The first 30 applicants identified through the random selection process will be selected for the program; all others are alternates and will be notified if/when seats become available in that semester.

✔ Students accepted for enrollment in the Optical Technician Certificate Program will be required to provide documentation of capability to perform essential job-related functions of an Optical Technician as determined by professional practice standards and the industry advisory board.