During COVID-19, most clinical affiliates mandated vaccinations for all students attending clinical externships at off-campus sites. This was a clinical affiliate requirement and not a Broward College requirement, and declining the COVID19 vaccination prevented students from completing their program of study. At this time, clinical affiliates do not have mandatory COVID19 vaccination requirements. Clinical affiliates currently mandate the Flu vaccine and could reinstate the COVID19 vaccination requirements at any time and if so, students will be required to have the COVID19 vaccinate in order to attend clinical rotations, allowing them to progress in their program of study.

Set Your Sights on Broward College

Broward College's Vision Care Program offers an Associate of Science (A.S.) degree that provides you with the training needed to assist in the ocular health of patients. This program simultaneously prepares you to work with optometrists, ophthalmologists, and eye care corporations as an optician.

Associate of Science degree in Vision Care

The curriculum of this program has been designed to train the student in the laboratory techniques of measuring, grinding, fitting, and adapting to eyewear, and preliminary examination pre-testing evaluation.

Vision Care/Opticianry Information Session

Important Dates

All Vision Care Technician/Opticianry Events

Program Details

Broward College Mission Statement 
The mission of Broward College is Transforming students’ lives and enriching our diverse community through academic excellence, innovation, and meaningful career opportunities.  As a public community college accredited to offer associate degrees, selected bachelor’s degrees, and certificate programs, the institution and its District Board of Trustees are committed to fostering a learning-centered community that celebrates diversity and inclusion by empowering and engaging students, faculty, and staff.

 
Vision Care Program Mission Statement 
The mission of the Vision Care Technology/Opticianry Program is to prepare competent, ethical and culturally sensitive entry-level vision care professionals who are dedicated to lifelong self-directed learning. The program is committed to preparing professionals who are capable of functioning in a dynamic and ever-changing area of health care delivery.  The Vision Care Technology/Opticianry Program exists to provide technical and professional education to benefit all segments of the community. The Program is committed to quality instruction delivered by dedicated faculty who are engaged in continued professional development. 

 

AS in Vision Care

Seats are still available for the August 2024 Fall term and applications are still begin accepted

August 2024 Application Criteria:

  • Applicants must fulfill the Health Science Program admission requirements
  • Minimum overall GPA of 2.0.

Application Period: January 8- June 29

Admission Selection Criteria:

Selected candidates must have a minimum overall GPA of 2.0

Selection for admission is based on a Point system. Students with the highest points will be admitted first until all seats are filled. If a tiebreaker is needed, admission will be based on the highest GPA.

Prior to admission, each student is required to successfully complete a drug screening. Please be advised that certain over-the-counter supplements and alternative medicinal products, including but not limited to CBD, THC, Cannabinoid, and Cannabinoid Oil may trigger a positive result, and consequently, the student will not be able to be admitted to the Health Science program. A second drug-tested sample is not allowed per Broward College Admissions Procedure A6Hx2-5.01. The links are provided below. Admissions Policy | Admissions Procedure

Overall GPA (Max 4) Points given

4.00 to 3.50 - 4 points

3.49 to 3.00-  3 points

2.99 to 2.50 - 2 points

2.49 to 2.00 - 1 point

Grades Earned in Prerequisite Courses (Maximum 24)

The following points will be added for each course completed
Course Grade A Grade B Grade C 
MGF1106 or MAC1105 5 4 3
POS2041 or AMH2020 only 5 4 3
BSC1005 5 4 3
ENC1101 3 2 1
CGS1060C 3 2 1
SPC1608 or SPC1024 3 2 1

Prior Educational Experience (Maximum 3 points)

MA/MS Degree - 3 points

BA/BS Degree - 2 points

AA/AS Degree - 1 point

Military Service (Maximum 5 points)

(5 points will be awarded to US Armed Forces active duty and honorably discharged veterans.)

Max Points awarded for program admissions (36).

 

 

Additional Information:​
For the August 2022 Vision Care program, students who were admitted earned between 2 and 15 points and had GPAs of 2.0 to 4.0.

Our curriculum offers learners a theoretical approach to important ophthalmic concepts. The program's curriculum is composed of didactic (lecture) followed by directed clinical training at our college's on-site clinic, as well as off-site affiliated ophthalmic practices.

Due to our small class sizes, we can ensure individualized attention for all Vision Care Opticianry students. The clinic offers state-of-the-art equipment and the latest technology for our students.

Vision Care Program of Study

If you are considering enrollment in the Vision Care Program, you should be able to:

  • Perform basic algebra, geometry, and trigonometry
  • Handle public pressure and complaints gracefully
  • Produce effective oral and written English communication
  • Pay attention to detail

Once you complete the program, you will be expected to:

  • Neutralize eyewear
  • Explain the theory of refraction and all clinical assessments 
  • Maintain consumer/patient records 
  • Demonstrate proficiency in finishing techniques 
  • Identify the human eye structure, function, and pathology
  • Determine physiognomic (facial and eye) measurements
  • Assess vocational and a-vocational needs of the consumer/patient
  • Assist the consumer/patient in the selection and measurement process of proper frames and lenses
  • Price and collect fees from consumers/patients for vision aids and services
  • Discuss prescription eyewear/vision aids and other consumer/patient-related
  • Perform all medical pre-testing exam assessment

 

RSVP for our monthly Live Virtual Information Sessions to learn more!

​Employment in this occupation is expected to increase as demand grows for corrective lenses. The number of middle-aged and elderly persons is projected to increase rapidly. Middle age is a time when many individuals use corrective lenses for the first time, and elderly persons require more visual care.

The Optician (LDO) plays a vital role in fitting and adapting corrective lenses and other optical devices to aid vision. They fit eyeglasses and contact lenses for patients, perform diagnostic testing and are able to operate as independent practitioners.

Our graduates have an excellent pass rate on the ABO, NCLE, and State Board examinations, and 100 percent of our graduates have found work in the field or have chosen to pursue a higher 

See Career Path for Vision Care graduates.

Associate of Science Vision Care Technology/Opticianry Goals

Student
  • Successfully complete the educational objectives of each course and fulfill the assessment criteria utilized to evaluate student success.
  • Develop the professional attitudes and discipline necessary for success in the ophthalmic health care professions.
  • Successfully complete registration, certification, and licensure examinations including American Board of Opticianry Examination (ABO), National Contact Lens Examination (NCLE), Florida Board of Opticianry Licensure Examination (L.D.O.)

Faculty  
  • Prepare knowledgeable and skilled students who possess the critical thinking and problem-solving abilities to sustain the professional obligations associated with being a member of a healthcare team.
  • Graduate students who are culturally competent and capable of providing comprehensive care to individuals from diverse socioeconomic, educational, and/or backgrounds.
  • Graduate students who apply a professional code of ethics in all endeavors by adhering to the AOA Code of Ethics and Values in all treatment.
  • Commit to continuing education to develop new skills and stay up to date on current trends.

Program
  • Maintain accreditation of the Vision Care Technology/Opticianry Program. 
  • Prepare graduates to successfully pass the credentialing process (certification /registration / licensure). 
  • Provide a vision care professional with a broad educational background to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public. 
  • Provide measurable evidence that all faculty responsible for delivering the academic components of the program maintain continuing competence in the content areas in which they teach and assure through annual measurable outcomes, that faculty development planning is targeted to improve faculty knowledge and expertise, including currency in relevant professional content, practice, and teaching techniques.
  • Provide graduates with a sound background for their future education and life pursuits. 
    • To promote the elimination of hazardous waste and reduce non-hazardous waste in compliance with federal and state guidelines and to the minimum levels economically and technically practical.

Environmental Compliance

 
  • To promote the use of environmentally friendly tints in its tinting system for an ophthalmic lens.

 

 The program mission and goals are reviewed by the faculty, administrators, members of the advisory committee, and students on an annual basis or as needed.​

 

RSVP for our monthly Live Virtual Information Sessions to learn more!

The following tables indicate how many Broward College Vision Care Opticianry students found jobs, graduated, passed national certifications, and state board exams through 2022.

vison-3.png

 

Communication 
Objectives 
  • Demonstrate the ability to use effective oral and written communication including appropriate and capable verbal interaction with patients/clients, physicians, health care delivery personnel, and others and non-verbal interaction by appropriately and accurately completing written communication on legal documents (patient files). 

Technical  
Objectives 
  • Perform basic algebra, trigonometry, and geometry. 
  • Identify the human eye structure, function, and pathology. 
  • Demonstrate proficiency in the operation function and maintenance of all ophthalmic equipment.  
  • Determine physiognomic (facial and eye) measurements. 
  • Neutralize eyewear. 
  • Assess vocational and a-vocational needs of the consumer/patient. 
  • Assist the consumer/patient in selection of proper frames and lenses. 
  • Price and collect fees from consumers/patients for vision aids and services. 
  • Prepare ophthalmic laboratory job orders. 
  • Discuss and deliver prescription eyewear/vision aids and instruct consumer/patient in use and care. 
  • Maintain consumer/patient records. 
  • Provide follow-up service to the consumer/patient, including periodic eyewear/frame adjustments, repairs, lens, and frame replacement. 
  • Respond to consumer/patient complaints. 
  • Apply rules and regulations for safe work practices. 
  • Demonstrate proficiency in finishing techniques. 
  • Explain theory of refraction. 
  • Assist in the business- related area of Opticianry, including record maintenance, frame and lens inventory, supply and equipment maintenance, and third-party forms. 
  • Demonstrate principles of adaptation, dispensing, and fitting contact lenses. 
  • Identify procedures associated with dispensing artificial eyes and low vision aids, when appropriate. 

Cultural Objectives 
  • Demonstrate sensitivity to individual and cultural differences in all aspects of vision care services. 

Behavior and Conduct Objectives 
  • Exhibit conduct that reflects a commitment to meet or exceed the expectations of members of society receiving health care services. 
  • Exhibit conduct that reflects a commitment to meet or exceed the expectations of members of the profession. 

Graduates of the Broward College Opticianry Program must demonstrate the following competencies :

  • Use effective oral and written communication.  
  • Perform basic algebra, trigonometry, and geometry.  
  • Identify the human eye structure, function, and pathology.  
  • Determine physiognomic (facial and eye) measurements.  
  • Neutralize eyewear.  
  • Assess vocational and a-vocational needs of the consumer/patient.  
  • Assist the consumer/patient in selection of proper frames and lenses.  
  • Price and collect fees from consumers/patients for vision aids and services.  
  • Prepare ophthalmic laboratory job orders.  
  • Deliver prescription eyewear/vision aids and instruct consumer/patient in use and care.  
  • Maintain consumer/patient records.  
  • Provide follow-up service to the consumer/patient, periodic eyewear/frame adjustments, repairs, lens and frame replacement.  
  • Respond to consumer/patient complaints.  
  • Apply rules and regulations for safe work practices.  
  • Demonstrate proficiency in the operation and function of equipment.  
  • Utilize and maintain equipment.  
  • Demonstrate proficiency in finishing techniques . 
  • Explain theory of refraction.  
  • Assist in the business-related area of opticianry, including record maintenance, frame and lens inventory, supply, and equipment maintenance, and third- party forms.  
  • Demonstrate principles of adaptation, dispensing, and fitting contact lenses.  
  • Identify procedures associated with dispensing artificial eyes and low vision aids, when appropriate  
  • Discuss prescription eyewear/vision aids and other consumer/patient relate. 

 

Within 18 months after enrolling, you can earn an Associate of Science degree in Vision Care, which is a total of 72 credits. Whether you choose to follow the Optician track or the Ophthalmic Technician track, you will need to commit yourself full-time to the program. 

The technical courses are offered at the BC North Campus in Coconut Creek. Clinic courses are offered at various sites throughout Broward County, along with the Vision Care Clinic on North Campus. General academic courses may be taken at any BC campus.

See all Vision Care classes

Vision Care Program Handbook

Vision Care Student Internship and Externship Training Plan

 

 Licensure

Graduates must apply to take the American Board of the Opticianry and the National Contact Lens Certification Examinations to be eligible to become licensed in the State of Florida. Graduates must also apply to take the State of Florida Department of Health Board of Opticianry Examination required to practice as an Optician in Florida.

Florida Board of Opticianry
4052 Bald Cypress Way , Bin # C08
Tallahassee , FL 32399 -3258
Phone: 1-850-488-0595
Phone: 1-850-245-4474
Fax: 1-850–921-5389
http://floridasopticianry.gov/

American Board of Opticianry
National Contact Lens Examiners
6506 Loisdale Rd.  Suite 209
Springfield, VA 22150
Phone: 1-800-296-1379
Office: 1-703-719-5800
http://www.abo-ncle.org/

screenshot.png

​Vision Care Faculty are all Florida Licensed Opticians or Optometrists 

Dr. Nina Mckie, L.D.O, DHSc- Professor / Program Manager

Dr. Amy Reese, O.D- Clinical Doctor

Dr. Steven Friedfeld, O.D Clinical Doctor

Mr. Lloyd Holness, L.D.O, M.A- Professor

Mr. Brett Weintraub, L.D.O- Adjunct Instructor

Broward College Vision Care Program

Health Science Admissions
healthscience@broward.edu                                                                       

Health Science Advisor
Rehana Saleem
rsalee1@broward.edu                                                               

Program Director
Nina Mckie
mmckie@broward.edu                                                                   

Health Science Coordinator
Marianne Letcher
mletcher@broward.edu

 

RSVP for our monthly Virtual Information Sessions to learn more!

Accreditation

BROWARD COLLEGE SACSCOC ACCREDITATION STATEMENT

Broward College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Associate in Applied Science, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Applied Science degrees.  Broward College also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Broward College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling 404-679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC's website (www.sacscoc.org).

Additional Program Accreditation

The program is accredited by;

Commission on Opticianry Accreditation (COA)

PO Box 592

Canton NY, 13617

Email: Director@COAAccreditiation.com

Phone:703-468-0566

Phase: Accrediated

Status: Accredited to 2/26/2024

http://coaccreditation.com/

 

 

Quick Links

Health Science Admissions
Health Science Pathway
Credit for Prior Learning
Career Center

Health Science Admissions Office

Broward College Health Science Admissions staff may be contacted by email at healthscience@broward.edu.

North Campus
Building 46 | Room 252
1000 Coconut Creek Blvd.
Coconut Creek, FL 33066

Central Campus
Building 8 |Room 130
3501 Davie Road
Davie, FL 33314

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