Train for a Career Helping People Live More Independently

Ophthalmic science combines healthcare, optics, technology, and patient service. Professionals in this field help patients see more clearly by interpreting prescriptions, fabricating lenses, fitting and adjusting eyewear, and supporting vision care in clinical and optical settings.

RVCC’s Ophthalmic Science Associate of Applied Science program prepares students for careers as ophthalmic technicians and dispensing opticians. Students gain hands-on experience in the College’s ophthalmic laboratory and on-campus optical clinic while building the technical and patient-care skills needed for the field.

About the Program

Ophthalmic Science is a specialized field that brings together anatomy and physiology, optics, lens design, clinical skills, and business knowledge.

Students learn how to interpret ophthalmic prescriptions, fabricate and grind lenses, fit and adjust eyewear, dispense contact lenses, and evaluate patient needs. The program prepares students to work alongside ophthalmologists, optometrists, licensed opticians, and other vision care professionals.

Students may prepare for careers in settings such as:

  • Optical dispensaries
  • Ophthalmology practices
  • Optometry offices
  • Hospital clinics
  • Private practices
  • Optical laboratories
  • Contact lens practices
  • Retail or independent optical businesses

Program Structure

The Ophthalmic Science program is designed to build skills across four semesters.

First Semester

Students begin with foundational courses in English, psychology, mathematics, and ophthalmic materials. Coursework introduces ophthalmic lenses, optical terminology, lens materials, lens fabrication equipment, and basic ophthalmic laboratory skills.

Second Semester

Students continue with ophthalmic materials, eye anatomy and physiology, physics, mathematics, and English composition. Students build their understanding of lens development, optical principles, eye structure, eye diseases, and ophthalmic lab processes.

Third Semester

Students move into ophthalmic dispensing, optics, contact lenses, business, and wellness. Students study prescription analysis, patient needs, contact lens fitting concepts, optical systems, and small business management.

Fourth Semester

Students complete advanced dispensing, contact lenses, an internship, and remaining general education requirements. The internship places students in an optician’s practice and includes professional consultation, business concepts, current technology, and applied learning in the field.

Optical Clinic

RVCC’s Optical Clinic is a teaching clinic for students in the Ophthalmic Science program.

The clinic is open to RVCC students, faculty, and staff. Student opticians work under the direct supervision of a licensed optician while gaining practical experience in patient care and optical services.

Through the clinic, students learn to:

  • Interpret ophthalmic prescriptions
  • Evaluate patient visual and lifestyle needs
  • Select appropriate frames, lens materials, and lens treatments
  • Fit, adjust, and adapt ophthalmic appliances
  • Support patients with eyeglasses and contact lenses

Program Admissions and Outcomes Information

The this program earns you 66 college credits. To enroll in either program you must Apply to the College.

RVCC OPHTHALMIC SCIENCE OUTCOMES

Entry Year Graduation Year # Students Entering # Students Graduating Graduating Percent (%)
2020 2022 8 5 62.5
2021 2023 12 8 67
2022 2024 16 10 62.5
2023 2025 14 9 64

** Under review for verification

American Board of Opticianry (ABO) Pass Rates

Exam Year # of students sitting for exam # Passing Pass Rate (%)
2022 0 0 0
2023 2 1 50
2024 2 2 100
2025 4 3 75

National Contact Lens Registry Examination (NCLE) Pass Rates

Year # Sitting for Exam # Passing Pass Rate (%)
2022 2 1 50
2023 0 0 0
2024 2 2 100
2025 4 3 75

NJ State Board of Ophthalmic Dispensers Licensure Examination

Year # Sitting for Exam # Passing Pass Rate (%)
2022 1 5 20
2023 2 1 50
2024 2 0 0
2025 1 1 100

Graduates Employed in Opticianry

Grad Year # of graduates employed or have transferred to a senior college Percent
2022 4 20
2023 6 75
2024 9 90
2025 9 100

Apprenticeship Information

Students who are registered with the New Jersey State Board as apprentices must complete required coursework to qualify for State Board examinations.

To be eligible for the State Board Qualifying Technician exam, registered apprentices must successfully complete:

  • Ophthalmic Materials I & II, Lecture
  • Ophthalmic Materials I & II, Lab

To be eligible for the State Board Ophthalmic Dispensers exam, registered apprentices must successfully complete:

  • Ophthalmic Dispensing I & II, Lecture
  • Ophthalmic Dispensing I & II, Lab
  • Principles of Optics
  • Anatomy & Physiology of the Eye
  • Contact Lenses I

The apprenticeship program is open only to students who are employed in the field and currently registered with the State Board of Ophthalmic Dispensers.

Accreditation and Approval

RVCC’s Ophthalmic Science program is nationally accredited by the Commission on Opticianry Accreditation.

The program is also approved by the New Jersey State Board of Examiners of Ophthalmic Dispensers and Ophthalmic Technicians.

Commission on Opticianry Accreditation
Kristina Green, Director of Accreditation
P.O. Box 73862
North Chesterfield, VA 23235-4735
director@COAccreditation.com
315-742-8066

[Button: Visit the Commission on Opticianry Accreditation]

Licensing Preparation

The Ophthalmic Science program prepares students for the New Jersey State licensing examination for ophthalmic technician and ophthalmic dispenser.

Licensure requirements are established by the appropriate licensing boards and may change. Students are encouraged to review current requirements before applying for an examination.

Program Curriculum

Explore what makes up the Ophthalmic Science degree and certificate programs.

Ophthalmic Science Degree Program Ophthalmic Science Certificate Program