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Ophthalmic Technology Program
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The Ophthalmic Technology Program prepares graduates to be professional opticians. The program includes instruction and laboratory training in all aspects of the field, including eyeglasses, contact lenses, low vision aids and ophthalmic physician assisting skills. Students are trained in the latest technology employed in the field of opticianry.

Why Study Ophthalmic Technology at CSN?

Graduates of the program are prepared to take the American Board of Opticianry, National Contact Lens Examiners and the Nevada Board of Dispensing Opticians licensing examinations.

Graduates can start careers as manufacturing opticians, dispensing opticians, optical sales reps and other positions within optical organizations.

***For all student inquiries, please contact Dwynwen Davies, dwynwen.davies@csn.edu

Limited Entry Program

NOTE: The Ophthalmic Technology Program is a limited entry program.  Students must attend a health programs orientation and meet with a health programs advisor for additional counseling prior to application.

Degrees and Certificates

stethoscope folder and keyboard

Ophthalmic Dispensing Technician, AAS

The program includes instruction and laboratory training in: contact lens skills, eyewear dispensing skills, lens finishing techniques, lens surfacing techniques, as well as sales techniques, basic business operations and communications.

Skills Certificates

Three Skills Certificates are available through this program:

Contact Lens Technician, SC

Ophthalmic Dispensing Technician, SC

Optical Laboratory Technician, SC

NOTE: While required for the AAS degree, limited entry application for admission and health programs orientation is NOT required for the Skills Certificates. Consult the catalog and/or speak to an academic advisor for relevant restrictions.

Accreditation

CSN Ophthalmic Technology Program is accredited by the

Commission on Opticianry Accreditation
Debra White, Director of Accreditation
PO Box 592
Canton, NY 13617

(315) 742-8066

Opticianry Program Outcomes

2019/2020 Cohort (Spring 2021 Graduates)

-- Program Completion Rate

  • 16 started and 15 completed for a completion rate of 94%

-- ABO American Board of Opticianry Exam

  • 13 took the exam and 12 passed for a pass rate of 92%

-- NCLE National Contact Lens Exam

  • 10 took the exam and 9 passed for a pass rate 90%

-- Nevada State Board Pass Rate

  • 6 took the exam and 6 passed for a pass rate 100%

-- Placement Rate

  • 15 of the 15 students completing the program are working in the optical field for a placement rate of 100%

2017/2018 Cohort (Spring 2019 Graduates-Stats as of Feb 11th 2020)

-- Program Completion Rate

  • 20 started and 11 completed for a completion rate of 55%

-- ABO American Board of Opticianry Exam

  • 9 took the exam and 9 passed for a pass rate of 100%

-- NCLE National Contact Lens Exam

  • 9 took the exam and 9 passed for a pass rate 100%

-- Nevada State Board Pass Rate

  • 7 took the exam and 7 passed for a pass rate 100%

-- Placement Rate

  • 11 of the 11 students completing the program are working in the optical field for a placement rate of 100%

2016/2017 Cohort (Spring 2018 Graduates - Stats as of January 29, 2019)

-- Program Completion Rate

  • 8 started and 6 completed for a completion rate of 75%

-- ABO American Board of Opticianry Exam

  • 5 took the exam and 4 passed for a pass rate of 80%

-- NCLE National Contact Lens Exam

  • 3 took the exam and 3 passed for a pass rate 100%

-- Nevada State Board Pass Rate

  • 3 took the exam and 3 passed for a pass rate 100%

-- Placement Rate

  • 6 of the 6 students completing the program are working in the optical field for a placement rate of 100%