Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician, Certificate of Completion – Apprenticeship Option

The Optical Laboratory Technician Certificate of Completion is offered as an introduction to the field of opticianry. This program is a 15-credit sequence that also works in conjunction with a one-year apprenticeship sponsored by the New Jersey State Board of Ophthalmic Dispensers and Ophthalmic Technicians. At the completion of the one-year registered apprenticeship and the 15-credits, the student is eligible for the licensure examination to become a licensed ophthalmic technician. This program prepares the student to perform the technical functions of opticianry. These students work primarily in optical laboratories preparing prescription eyewear for opticians, optometrists and ophthalmologists or they could be self-employed as an optical technician.

The 15-credit certificate of completion includes coursework in lens design, prescription analysis, basic eye anatomy, and spectacle fabrication as well as the instrumentation of the profession. In addition, the program requires an introductory course in college-level English. The Optical Laboratory Technician certificate of completion fits seamlessly into the Ophthalmic Science (Opticianry) certificate which fits seamlessly into the Ophthalmic Science (Opticianry) Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree. The latter two programs are designed to provide the students with the knowledge, skills and values to become licensed opticians in New Jersey.

Graduates are able to:

• discuss prescription eyewear and other client-related information, verbal and written, with other eyecare practitioners
• analyze and interpret prescriptions in order to fabricate spectacles properly
• utilize the instrumentation of the profession in order to fabricate any prescription into any style frame or mounting
• learn the proper maintenance and calibration of optical equipment

NOTE: Students in this program may not be eligible for Financial Aid; students should meet with an Academic Advisor or Financial Aid staff to discuss options for Financial Aid eligibility.