​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.

​Vision Care Faculty are all Florida Licensed Opticians or Optometrists 

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

Dr. Daniele Jean, 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

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

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

Broward College's Vision Care Technology Program recognizes the worth and potential of each student. We are committed to providing opportunities for basic and advanced instruction in an environment conducive to learning. The program encourages technical curiosity, innovation, and creativity by integrating applied academic skills in all occupational areas. We strive to instill the attitudes and skills necessary to produce motivated, self-sufficient individuals who are able to function effectively in our ever-changing, complex society. Additionally, our mission is to exercise professionalism in a class, clinic, and all other activities relating to the program and work towards the ultimate goal of employment and further educational growth of all our graduates.

1. Student goals
   1. To accomplish the educational objectives of each course and to fulfill the criteria used to evaluate student success.
   2. To develop the professional attitudes and discipline necessary for success in the ophthalmic health care professions.
   3. Graduates will successfully complete the following registration, certification, and licensure examinations:
      1. American Board of Opticianry Examination (ABO)
      2. National Contact Lens Examination (NCLE)
      3. Florida Board of Opticianry Licensure Examination (L.D.O.)
2. Those graduates who work with ophthalmologists are encouraged to sit for the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO) Ophthalmic Medical Assistant and Technician Certification Examinations. The initial criterion is one year of experience with an ophthalmologist and successful completion of an approved home study program.
3. Faculty goals
   1. To provide teaching/learning experiences for students which develop specific knowledge of concepts and skills pertaining to the community served by the institution:
   2. To develop and define the objectives of each course, including laboratory and clinical experiences, and to develop methods and tools to measure student's achievement.
4. Educational institution goals
   1. To seek and maintain accreditation of the Vision Care Technology/Opticianry Program.
   2. To prepare the graduates to successfully pass the credentialing process (certification/registration/ licensure) for their particular career option(s).
   3. To provide a vision care professional with a broad educational background to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public.
   4. To provide the graduates with a sound background for their future education and life pursuits.
5. Community-related goals
   1. To provide the ophthalmic community with a skilled graduate qualified by academic and clinical training to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of a vision care technician and optician.
   2. To promote cooperation among the health care delivery system, ophthalmologists, optometrists, opticians, and consumers in the recognition and full utilization of the graduate.
6. Environmental goals
   1. To promote the elimination of hazardous waste within federal and state guidelines.
   2. 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.​

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

Broward College Vision Care Program

Health Science Admissions
healthscience@broward.edu                                                                       

Health Science Advisor
Jenny Rainey
jrainey@broward.edu                                                               

Program Director
Nina Mckie
mmckie@broward.edu                                                                   

Health Science Coordinator
Marianne Letcher
mletcher@broward.edu