Please review the following questions as they are the most frequently asked from people interested in the program. If you have additional questions, please reach out to: Mary Seguiti (mseguiti@hccfl.edu) or Thomas Neff (tneff@hccfl.edu).
Q. What are the steps to enroll into the Opticianry program?
- Apply online to HCC and choose Opticianry A.S. as the degree.
- Submit all application requirements such as transcripts and test scores for the PERT/CPT.
- Speak to the Health Science Advisors and/or Program Faculty about course selection and registration.
Note: These steps should be completed at least 2 weeks before the start of the semester.
Q. How long is the program?
A. Opticianry is a 2-year Full Time Program. We have start dates in May, August and January. Each will converge to one completion date in June of your second year.
Q. Can I complete the program online?
A. Yes, but several things are required:
- You must have a mentor or mentors who is/are a Licensed Optician, Optometrist or Ophthalmologist.
- You must have access to a facility with all of the following areas; Dispensing, Lab Manufacturing, Contact Lenses & Refraction. If you do not have access to a facility you must find additional sites or come to campus for the labs you cannot access.
Q. What equipment is used for each of the curriculum areas?
All equipment is available on campus. If using an alternate site or completing the program online, you will need the following:
- Dispensing: Hand adjustment tools, Manual Lensometer (Marco 101 is used for testing), Frames for practice, Lenses either mounted or uncut, Lens clock, Thickness calipers.
- Contact Lenses: Manual Keratometer, Slit lamp, Radiuscope.
- Lab Manufacturing: Min: Finishing lab with an Edger, Tint unit, Handstone Groover. A full surface lab is preferred.
- Refraction: Manual Phoropter, A digital phoropter is acceptable, but will require more work learning the parts of the manual one.
Q. What are the responsibilities of my mentor?
A. Mentors must be able to assist you in different activities each week for a few hours and evaluate your skill level. Mentors complete a form at the beginning of each semester for each course and also complete a student competency/evaluation form as competencies are completed.
Q. What else is required to be successful completing the program online?
A. Final exams must be taken every semester on HCC's Dale Mabry Campus. Exam dates are posted at the start of each semester to help you plan.
A. Midterm exams are taken using a computer proctoring service. Students must have access to a computer that meets the requirements of the program.
A. Students should set aside a few hours each week to work on and complete course requirements. Each course has deadlines for assignments and quizzes.
Q. How do I get my textbooks?
A. Textbooks can be purchased online through the HCC Bookstore or in person on the Dale Mabry Campus. If purchasing online please order them early in order to have them in time for class since this method may take longer.
Q. Who can I talk to about the program?
A. Any faculty in the program or Health Science Advisor will be happy to talk to you. These individuals have specific knowledge of the program requirements.
Q. What are the requirements for the Degree?
A. The program is 72 credit hours with 57 credits of Opticianry Courses and 5 General Education courses. See the opticianry curriculum for more details.
Q. What is the cost of the Opticianry Program?
A. Visit our Tuition & Fees webpage for information on In-State and Out-of-State Tuition rates.
A. Textbooks for this program cost approximately $1,500 over the course of the program. Textbooks are used in multiple classes.
Q. What is the process to become Licensed in Florida?
A. Students must do the following:
- Complete either a COA Accredited Opticianry Program (which we are!) or 6,240 hours of apprenticeship under a Licensed Optician or Optometrist.
- Pass both the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) Basic Exam (NOCE) and the National Contact Lens Exam (NCLE) Basic Exam (CLRE)
- Apply for Initial Licensure through the Department of Health: Board of Opticianry
Once these steps are complete, students must pass one of the following Practical Exams:
- ABO and NCLE Practical Exams.
- NCSORB Practical Exams.
The final step is to submit the Initial Laws and Rules course and 2 Hour Fitting and Adjustment course.