Opticianry

Associate in Applied Science Degree in Opticianry (AAS_OPTI)

The responsibilities of dispensing opticians include the fitting and fabrication of optical frames and lenses, helping patients decide on the correct frames for their prescription, conferring with doctors on the best or needed types of lens products for a patient, and daily management of an optical practice. Opticians can work as independent practitioners, for an ophthalmologist, optometrist or for any type of business where the dispensing of eyewear is needed. Opticians also can branch into sales of frames, lenses, machinery or management.

The CCRI Opticianry program, one of only four programs located in New England, integrates classroom and laboratory preparation with clinical practice for students to learn and practice the skills and behaviors required to be an optician. Core courses include lecture, laboratory and clinical education experiences in various ophthalmic settings where students utilize skills in the clinic that were learned in the classroom while being mentored by a preceptor who is a licensed ophthalmologist, optometrist or optician.

General education courses for the Opticianry program can be taken at any campus. Major courses in the Opticianry program are primarily offered in a distance learning format. Each course has online modules which students are required to complete independently within a specific time frame. Some onsite participation is required for course lectures and hands-on training sessions which are typically held on Saturdays or evenings for approximately three hours at a time. Clinical experiences are scheduled at optical facilities and typically run during daytime hours Monday through Saturday. The specific clinical experience schedule depends on the schedule of the clinical site and the clinical instructor to which each student is assigned.

Successful completion of the CCRI Opticianry program allows students to apply for licensure in Rhode Island and nationally and take the National Opticianry Competency Examination (NOCE) administered by the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) as well as complete a regional practical examination.

Note: Many courses require prerequisites, corequisites and/or testing. See course descriptions for details.

GENERAL POLICIES

See important general policies in the beginning of this section on the performance-based Health Sciences application process, academic progress, advanced placement, background check, CPR certification, health insurance, health records, reinstatement, transportation, uniforms, and equipment.

Minimum requirements to apply to the Opticianry program

1. CCRI application – Complete and submit a CCRI Application for Enrollment. General Studies should be the first choice; OPTI should be the second choice.
2. High school transcript – Send an official copy of the applicant’s high school or GED® transcript, including date of graduation. If the applicant holds a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university, the high school transcript may be waived; a college transcript must indicate completion and degree awarded.
3. ENGL 1300 will not substitute for ENGL 1010.
4. Placement testing – Complete a standardized test (ACCUPLACER NEXT GENERATION) issued by CCRI’s Department of Advising and Counseling.
   
   Reading comprehension test must show competency of 250 or above or students must complete ENGL 0890: Critical Reading with a grade of B‐ or better
   
   English (writing) test must show readiness to take ENGL 1010: Composition I or students must complete ENGL 1005: College Writing with a grade of C or better. ENGL 1300 will not substitute for ENGL 1010.
   
   
5. Prerequisites – Complete the following prerequisite courses with a grade of C or better: – MATH 1179 - Applied Technical Math or MATH 1200 - College Algebra
   May substitute MATH 1175, 1240, 1241, 2077, 2138, 2111, 2141, 2142, 2243. (Highest grade earned in any of these courses will be calculated in the point system.)
6. GPA – Earn a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better for all college courses taken.
7. Health Sciences application – Complete and submit performance-based Health Sciences application including a preadmission degree evaluation during the open enrollment period. The application and instructions can be found at www.ccri.edu/oes/admissions/index.html.
   1. IMPORTANT: All the above requirements must be completed satisfactorily BEFORE submission of performance-based Health Sciences application and do not guarantee acceptance to the program. Students declining acceptance into the program for the semester offered must resubmit a performance-based Health Sciences application for the program and meet the current admission requirements for the application period in which they reapply. Once accepted into the Opticianry program, the student must attend a mandatory orientation conducted by the Rehabilitative Health Department.
8. Background check – Students are required to submit a background check when directed by notification from Enrollment Services. Final acceptance to the program is dependent on the results of the background check.

RECOMMENDED COURSE SEQUENCE

Total General Education Requirements Credits 19

Students must be accepted into the program before taking any major requirements.

Total Major Education Requirements Credits 45

Total Program Credits 67