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Roane State Community College

Vision Care Technology
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Move Forward. Don't delay your future! Apply now! Register for online or traditional classes.Move Forward. Don't delay your future! Apply now!. Register for online or traditional classes.
Tennessee Reconnect and Promise. Graduating high school seniors can attend tuition-free. Free tuition for adults.Tennessee Reconnect and Promise. Graduating high school seniors can attend tuition-free. Free tuition for adults.
Online degrees available. Choose from seven completely online programs.Online degrees available. Choose from seven completely online programs.

Vision Care Technology

Overview

Application Deadline: Open until filled.

Successful completion of the two year Vision Care Technology Program results in an Associate in Applied Science degree. Opticians are licensed professionals who design and fit prescription eyeglasses, contact lens and other specialized optical devices. The patient brings the optician a prescription from their doctor and the optician determines the best way to fill that prescription based on the individuals specific needs. There are hundreds of different ways to fill any given prescription. There are many options such as lens materials, designs, colors, coatings, frame sizes and frame styles just to mention a few. Opticians select the best of these options for each patient based on his or her visual and fashion needs. The optician considers many patient variables; their prescription, the type of work they do, their hobbies, what sports they play and other special needs. Opticians need to make sure their patients see clearly, look attractive (we are also fashion consultants), and have properly adjusted and comfortable glasses and contact lenses that fit conveniently into their lifestyle.

More about what opticians do

Work Settings

Most opticians work in retail business settings and medical offices, providing eyewear directly to the public. However, some specialize in areas such as contact lens fitting, laboratory work, or as sales consultants for manufactures of spectacle frames, spectacle lenses or contact lenses. Some also have their own optical businesses and work for themselves.

Credentialing Requirements

Upon successful completion of the Vision Care Technology Program, the graduate is eligible to apply to take the Tennessee state licensing exams.

Location

The Vision Care Technology Program is taught at the Roane County Main Campus.

Salary

Salaries for opticians vary greatly depending on where and for whom you work. The average salary for opticians in East Tennessee is around $36,000 with starting salaries about $25,000. However, many opticians earn significantly more than average by working their way up the management ladder in large corporate optical businesses. Also, entrepreneurial opticians may own their own businesses and work for themselves. For further information on the many varied opportunities available to graduates of the Vision Care Technology Program contact the program director.

Admission Requirements

Application Deadline: Open until filled.

VECT Admissions Information

VECT Admission Policies

VECT Admissions Information and Point System

VECT Student Handbook

Applications Required for the OPT Program

RSCC Application - Steps 1 and 2 are required for admission to the College and Allied Health Sciences programs

Allied Health Sciences Application Information

Program Costs

Roane State Tuition & Fees
All tuition and fees are subject to change by the Tennessee Board of Regents.

* Program courses that are taken in an online format are subject to a distance education fee. A Specialized Allied Health Science Fee of $25 per credit hour will be applied to all Allied Health Science courses. See Tuition and Fees link above.

Books, Supplies and Additional Program Expenses
(Visit www.roanestate.edu/bookstore for book titles and prices)

Optical tool kit: approximately $300
Liability insurance: $15

Accreditation and Program Outcomes

Accreditation

The Vision Care Technology Program is accredited by the Commission on Opticianry Accreditation (COA) PO Box 592, Canton, NY. 13617; (703) 468-0566; www.coaccreditation.com

Program Outcomes

Faculty

Faculty

Hali C Gibson
Click above for email address
(865) 354-3000 ext. 4930
Program Director

Mike Goggin
Click above for email address
(865) 354-3000 ext. 4319
Faculty

Montana L Nealon
Click above for email address
(865) 354-3000 ext. 4315
Faculty

Admissions Advisor

Health Sciences Admission Advisor
Michael Burtch
(865) 354-3000, ext. 4705
hsnadmissions@roanestate.edu

Advisory Board

Optical Clinic

Students in Roane State’s Opticianry Program, under the direct supervision of licensed instructors, operate an on-campus optical shop. The clinic operates during fall and spring semesters only. The clinic is open to RSCC students and employees, as well as, their family and friends.

Optical Clinic Hours

Contact: 

Hali C Gibson • (865) 354-3000 ext. 4930 • Click name for email address

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