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 Optometrist
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. Right click on link below for program map access.
Vision Care Program Map (PDF)
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.
AS in Vision Care
Seats are still available for August 2019 Fall term and application are still begin accepted
August 2019 Application Criteria:
- Applicants must fulfill the Health Science Program admission requirements
- Minimum overall GPA of 2.0.
Application Period: January 8th- June 29th
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 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 points
Grades Earned in Prerequisite Courses(Maximum 21)
(The following points will be added for each course completed)
| Course |
Points given for 3.49 to 3.00 GPA |
Points given for 2.99 to 2.50 GPA |
Points 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- 1points
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, overall GPA will be used as the tiebreaker.
*Recommended Humanities and Social/Behavioral Science Electives. If student completes different humanities and soc/behavioral science elective, points will also be awarded.
3 Points: Graduated with Bachelor or Associate degree
10 Points: Complete all co-requisite General Education course work
3 Points: Completed MAC 1105 OR MGF 1106
2 Points: BCS 1005
Additional Information:
For the August 2018 Vision Care program, students who were admitted earned between 2 and 15 points and had GPAs of 2.0 to 4.0.
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 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.
- Student goals
a. To accomplish the educational objectives of each course and to fulfill the criteria used to evaluate student success.
b. To develop the professional attitudes and discipline necessary for success in the ophthalmic health care professions.
c. Graduates will successfully complete the following registration, certification, and licensure examinations:
- American Board of Opticianry Examination (ABO)
- National Contact Lens Examination (NCLE)
- Florida Board of Opticianry Licensure Examination (L.D.O.)
- 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 experience with an ophthalmologist and successful completion of an approved home study program.
- Faculty goals
a. To provide teaching/learning experiences for students which develop specific knowledge of concepts and skills pertaining to the community served by the institution:
b. To develop and define the objectives of each course, including laboratory and clinical experiences and to develop methods and tools to measure students achievement.
- Educational institution goals
a. To seek and maintain accreditation of the Vision Care Technology/Opticianry Program.
b. To prepare the graduates to successfully pass the credentialing process (certification/registration/ licensure) for their particular career option(s).
c. To provide a vision care professional with a broad educational background to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public.
d. To provide the graduates with a sound background for their future education and life pursuits.
- Community related goals
a. 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.
b. To promote cooperation among the health care delivery system, ophthalmologists, optometrists, opticians and consumers in the recognition and full utilization of the graduate.
- Environmental goals
a. To promote the elimination of hazardous waste within federal and state guidelines.
b. To promote the use of environmentally friendly tints in its tinting system for 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 2019.
| Graduation Year |
Graduating Percent |
| 2017 Students 18 |
78% |
| 2018 Students 10 |
52% |
| 2019 Students 20 |
71% |
American Board of Opticianry (ABO) Pass Rates
| Class |
Sitting for Exam |
Passing |
Percent Passing |
| 2017 |
15 |
13 |
86% |
| 2018 |
9 |
8 |
88% |
| 2019 |
20 |
20 |
100% |
National Contact Lens Registry Examination (NCLE) Pass Rates
| Class |
Sitting for Exam |
Passing |
Percent Passing |
| 2017 |
15 |
14 |
93% |
| 2018 |
8 |
7 |
87% |
| 2019 |
20 |
20 |
100% |
Florida Board of Opticianry Licensure Examination (ABO and NCLE certifications are required)
| Class |
of Graduates |
Sitting for Exam |
Passing |
Percent Passing |
| 2017 New Online Assesment |
18 |
9 |
8 |
88% |
| 2018 New Online Assesment |
10 |
4 |
3 |
75% |
| 2019 New Online Assesment |
20 |
14 |
14 |
100% |
Students Employed in the of Vision Care Field
2017 - 100%
2018- 100%
2019- 100%
