Ophthalmic Dispensing

The Vision Care Technology Program prepares a student for a career in vision care. Successful completion of the degree qualifies graduates for the New York State licensing examination for ophthalmic dispensers and makes them eligible to take the New York State examination for certification as a contact lens fitter.

The ophthalmic dispenser/optician combines knowledge of scientific and clinical procedures with skills and the ability to work well with patients in the fitting and adapting of lenses and devices that aid in providing comfortable and efficient vision and in correcting ocular deficiencies.

The ophthalmic dispenser measures, adapts and fits eyeglasses to the face and, when further certified as a contact lens fitter, also fits and adapts contact lenses to the eyes for the correction of visual and ocular anomalies. The curriculum in ophthalmic dispensing represents a carefully planned balance of theory and clinical practice in all aspects of the profession.

A graduate of the program may become the proprietor of an ophthalmic dispensing firm or may secure a position as an ophthalmic dispenser, contact lens fitter, an ophthalmic assistant, an ophthalmic sales representative or an optical research technician. Among the employers of the graduates of this program are independent opticians, ophthalmologists, optometrists, HMO’s, eye and ear hospitals, wholesale/retail optical establishments and national and international corporations.