Opticianry

Opticianry Diploma and Degree Requirements

Wiregrass offers two options in the Opticianry Program: A degree path (71 Hours) and a diploma path (59 Hours)
Both are offered on the Valdosta campus and have alternating start terms of fall and spring

Requirements:

• Submit a completed application and application fee
• Be at least 16 years of age
• Submit an official high school transcript OR High School Equivalency transcript OR college transcripts showing successful completion of 60+ semester credits or 72+ quarter credits
• Submit official college transcripts, if applicable
• Present acceptable ACCUPLACE, ACT, ASSET, COMPASS, PSAT, or SAT scores OR GED score of 145 or higher OR have one of the following: an associate degree or higher OR have a HOPE GPA of 2.6 after the completion of 10th grade. 
  Documentation on a college transcript of successful completion of appropriate courses from a regionally accredited college or university may be accepted in lieu of test scores

Additional Program Requirements:

• Criminal background check required prior to start of clinical rotation

Course Descriptions

OPHD 1010: Introduction to Ophthalmic Optics (3 Hours)
Introduces students to the eye-care field and the profession of Opticianry. Emphasis is placed on the scope of activities performed by opticians. Topics include: scope and practice of a licensed optician; eye-care professions; major divisions of Opticianry; basic ocular anatomy; light and refraction; vision problems; corrective lenses; and national and state regulations.

OPHD 1020: Eye Anatomy and Physiology (3 Hours)
Develops students knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the eye. Emphasis is placed on the corneal metabolism and its accommodation of a contact lens. Topics include: anatomy of the eye; physiology of the eye; eye diseases and abnormalities; anterior and posterior segments; drugs and treatment methods; and ophthalmic terminology.

OPHD 1030: Applied Optical Theory (2 Hours)
Prerequisites: OPHD 1010 and Program Admission
Introduces students to properties of light and the laws of geometrical optics. Emphasis is placed on understanding major theories of light and the principles of plane and curved surfaces of mirrors and lenses. Topics include: light and vision; refraction; lens modified light; and lens systems.

OPHD 1060: Optical Laboratory Technique I (6 Hours)
Prerequisite: OPHD 1010
Introduces students to the operations involved in lens fabrication. Emphasis is placed on gaining knowledge of equipment requirements and developing surfacing and finishing techniques. Topics include: safety and environmental procedures and lens processing terminology; lens surfacing and finishing equipment; lens blank selection and layout; lens surfacing techniques; lens finishing techniques; lens final insertion and mounting techniques; and standard alignment, inspection of lenses and lensometer operation.

OPHD 1070 Optical Laboratory Technique (6 Hours)
Prerequisite: OPHD 1060
This course continues students study of lens fabrication. Emphasis is placed on using specialized lens materials and multifocal surfacing and finishing techniques. Topics include: specialized lens fabrication; multifocal lens positioning; inspection of multifocal lenses; optical calculations; frame repairs; optical equipment maintenance; advanced optical calculations, and high index lenses.

OPHD 1080: Contact Lens I (5 Hours)
Prerequisites: OPDH 1020 and Program Admission
Introduces students to the contact lens field. Emphasis is placed on the development of contact lenses to correct visual defects, types of contact lenses, and consumer selection. Topics include: safety and environmental procedures; contact lens history; contact lens instruments;, contact lens terminology; corneal topography; lens types, prefitting evaluation, examination and patient/lens selection; adverse effects of lens wear; lens selection, inspection and verification; fitting guidelines and regulations; and follow-up care.

OPHD 2090: Frame Selection (5 Hours)
Prerequisite: Program Admission
Introduces students to frame selection and dispensing techniques. Emphasis is placed on gaining clinical experience in providing service to the eyewear consumer. Topics include: ocular measurements; frame selection; frame materials; eyewear fitting techniques; frame adjustment; administrative procedures; lens finishing; matching frames to consumer needs; managed care terminology; information technology; communication with consumers, prescribers, and suppliers; effective consumer services; and problem solving.

OPHD 2120: Lens Selection (6 Hours)
Prerequisite: OPHD 1010
This course introduces students to techniques of ophthalmic sales and emphasizes effective consumer service. Topics include: managed care terminology; information gathering; information technology; communicating with consumers, prescribers and suppliers; ophthalmic sales skills; effective consumer services and problem solving; and lens finishing. This course continues students study of eyewear dispensing techniques. Emphasis is placed on gaining clinical experience in providing service to the eyewear consumer. Topics include: prescription lens materials; lens positioning; multifocal lenses; absorptive lenses; special lens coatings; prescription lens selection; lens finishing; use and care of eyewear; matching lenses to consumer needs; optical, physiological, and psychological problems; applied lensmeter techniques; information gathering; and ophthalmic sales skill.

OPHD 2130: Contact Lens II (5 Hours)
Prerequisites: OPHD 1080 and Program Admission
This course continues students study of contact lenses with emphasis on rigid and gas permeable trial and prescriptive lens fitting techniques. Topics include: lens selection; inspection and verification; fitting guidelines and regulations; follow-up care; soft lens care and storage; fitting specialty rigid lenses; rigid lens care and storage; and fitting specialty soft contact lenses.

OPHD 2170: Contact Lens Review (3 Hours)
Prerequisites: OPHD 2130 and Program Admission
This course continues students study of contact lens dispensing knowledge skills. Emphasis is placed on reviewing types of contact lenses, fitting techniques, and further development of associated skills. Topics include: soft contact lens fitting; hard contact lens fitting; contact lens instrumentation; effective consumer service; and contact lens regulations.

OPHD 2180: Opticianry Review (3 Hours)
Prerequisites: OPHD 2090 and OPHD 2120
Continues students study of ophthalmic dispensing knowledge and skills. Emphasis is placed on reviewing optical theory, laboratory procedures, and further development of associated skills. Topics include: optical laboratory; frames and lenses; dispensing techniques; eyewear sales; and eyewear regulations.

OPHD 2190: Opticianry OBI (6 Hours)
Prerequisites: OPHD 2090, OPHD 2120, and OPHD 2130
Continues students study of ophthalmic dispensing techniques. Emphasis is placed on gaining clinical experience in providing service to the ophthalmic consumer. Topics include: special visual problems; contact lenses; analyzing ophthalmic problems; ordering procedures; marketing eyewear; and work attitudes. The occupation-based instruction is implemented through the use of a Practicum or internship and all of the following: written individualized training plans, written performance evaluation, and required weekly seminar.