Program Details

AS in Vision Care

Seats are still available for the August 2024 Fall term and applications are still being 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.

Before 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 (PDF) | Admissions Procedure (PDF)

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)

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 can 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.

he 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 2024

.

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 the 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 the 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 related.

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
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
www.abo-ncle.org

​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: Accredited
Status: Accredited to February 26, 2024

coaccreditation.com