Vision Care Technician/Opticianry
Associate of Science
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Associate of Science
While the college does not require a COVID-19 vaccination at this time, Health Sciences programs are required by the state of Florida and national accrediting bodies to provide instruction in clinical healthcare settings. These clinical facilities set the compliance rules (i.e. immunizations, drug screenings, and fitness for duty) that students must meet to be eligible for instruction at these sites. At this time, If you decide not to receive a Covid-19 vaccination (or any other required immunization or screening), you will not be able to complete a Health Science Program. If you have any questions about these requirements, please speak to your admissions counselor.
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.
AS in Vision Care
Seats are still available for the August 2022 Fall term and applications are still begin accepted
August 2022 Application Criteria:
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 21)
Course | Points are given for 3.49 to 3.00 GPA | Points are given for 2.99 to 2.50 GPA | Points are given for 2.49 to 2.00 GPA |
---|---|---|---|
ENC 1101 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
PHI2010 or REL2000 or ARH2000 or Mul2010 (Humanities) | 3 | 2 | 1 |
MGF1106 or MAC1105 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
BSC1005 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
CGS1060C | 3 | 2 | 1 |
PSY2012 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
SPC1608 or SPC1024 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
Prior Educational Experience (Maximum points)
MA/MS Degree - 3 points
BA/BS Degree - 2 points
AA/AS Degree - 1 point
Military Service (Maximum 5)
(5 points will be awarded to US Armed Forces active duty and honorably discharged veterans.)
Max Points awarded for program admissions (33).
In the event of a point tie, the overall GPA will be used as the tiebreaker.
*Recommended Humanities and Social/Behavioral Science Electives. If the student completes different humanities and soc/behavioral science elective, points will also be awarded.
3 Points: Graduated with a Bachelor's or Associate degree
10 Points: Complete all co-requisite General Education coursework
3 Points: Completed MAC 1105 OR MGF 1106
2 Points: BCS 1005
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.
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.
If you are considering enrollment in the Vision Care Program, you should be able to:
Once you complete the program, you will be expected to:
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.
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.
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.
Graduation Year | Entering Cohort | Graduated Students | Graduating Percentage |
---|---|---|---|
2020 | 21 | 17 | 80% |
2021 | 19 | 16 | 84% |
2022 | 13 | 8 | 61% |
Class | Sitting for Exam | Passing | Percent Passing |
---|---|---|---|
2020 | 17 | 17 | 100% |
2021 | 16 | 16 | 100% |
2022 | 6 | 6 | 100% |
Class | Sitting for Exam | Passing | Percent Passing |
---|---|---|---|
2020 | 17 | 16 | 94% |
2021 | 11 | 9 | 81% |
2022 | 6 | 5 | 83% |
Class | of Graduates | Sitting for Exam | Passing | Percent Passing |
---|---|---|---|---|
2020 | 17 | 14 | 14 | 100% |
2021 | 17 | 9 | 9 | 100% |
2022 | 8 | 5 | 5 | 100% |
Class | Graduating Students | Employed | Percent Passing |
---|---|---|---|
2020 | 16 | 17 | 94% |
2021 | 17 | 17 | 100% |
2022 | 8 | 8 | 100% |
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
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).
The program is accredited by the Commission on Opticianry Accreditation (COA).
North Campus
Building 46 | Room 252
1000 Coconut Creek Blvd.
Coconut Creek, FL 33066
Central Campus
Building 8 | Rooms 108 and 130
3501 Davie Road
Davie, FL 33314
Unlike loans, you do not have to pay scholarship money back. Broward College has limited scholarships for merit, financial need, degree choice, and more.
A BC degree checks all the boxes. If this program is your goal, get started toward becoming a student today.
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