Dispensing Optician
(This page updated June 19, 2006.)

Take a closer look at an optician career

A pharmacist fills medical prescriptions written by doctors. In a similar manner, an optician fills optical prescriptions written by optometrists or ophthalmologists.

Filling a prescription means an optician must be able to look at the numbers the doctor has written and visualize what a lens made to those specifications will look like and be sure that it can be properly aligned in front of the patient’s eyes to provide the intended result.

An optician takes measurements to assure the prescription is properly positioned and discusses many choices of lens styles, materials, and treatments. The optician also helps a patient choose a frame style that is compatible with the optical requirements of the prescription.

An optician may also fit contact lenses. This involves the use of exam equipment, understanding the various materials, designs, and fitting parameters of many types of contact lenses and the ability to recognize fitting problems.

Apprenticeship Training

Focus on a new career with apprenticeship training and courses at Highline Community College.

Apprenticeship is a system of training in a specific occupation through on-the-job experience and instruction, in addition to community or technical college courses. It is a time-proven method of producing highly-skilled workers.

Licensed Dispensing Optical (LDO) Program Overview

Requirements

To be an apprentice optician, a student must have a job in an optical retail store or clinic assisting a licensed optician, optometrist, or ophthalmologist in performing the duties of an optician. The student must register with both the Washington Stare Department of Health and the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee of the Department of Labor and Industries (which provides a reduction in tuition fees).

The apprenticeship requires 6,000 work hours (three years) and successful completion of the curriculum.

Credentials

Upon successful completion of the required hours, classes, and state board exam administered by the Department of Health, the apprentice earns the credential of licensed dispensing optician (LDO).

Note: Optical job placement services are not available through Highline Community College.

Certificate of Completion
(Requirements updated June 19, 2006.)

The Licensed Dispensing Optician program emphasizes preparation in skills and knowledge required to sit for the state of Washington licensure examination and entry-level employment as a licensed dispensing optician (LDO).

Classes will be offered in a hybrid format beginning fall 2006.  Hybrid courses take place approximately 50 percent online and 50 percent in the classroom. Some classes may involve more online work than classroom work.

A Certificate of completion is awarded students who successfully complete the curriculum.

Program Curriculum
Optic 101 Basic Optics	5 credits
Optic 102 Ocular Anatomy, Physiology & Pharmacology	5 credits
Optic 103 Optical Product Knowledge	5credits
Optic 104 Ophthalmic Dispensing	5 credits
Optic 105 Contact Lens Theory	5 credits
Optic 106 Ophthalmic Laboratory	5 credits
Optic 107 Contact Lens Fitting	5 credits
Optic 108 Optical Office & Business Management	5 credits
Optic 109 Refractometry Overview and program review	5 credits

Enroll in the Dispensing Optician Apprenticeship Program

To be an apprentice optician, a student must:

• Have a qualified job in an optical retail store or clinic.
• Hold a high school diploma or GED and be at least 18 years old.
• Complete an admissions application online at http://www.highline.edu/home/admissio.htm. To receive an admissions packet by mail, call (206) 878-3710, ext. 3181
• Register with the Department of Health (DOH). If you are working in an optical store or clinic, you can obtain the form to register with DOH by calling (360) 236-4948 or (360) 236-4700 or email hpga.csc@doh.wa.gov
• Register with the Dispensing Optician Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee of the Department of Labor and Industries. If you are not already registered and are beginning training for the first time, this can be done during the first class. Bring a copy of the Highline and COH registrations.

Tuition

Apprentices registered with the Department of Health and the Dispensing Optician Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee of the Department of Labor and Industries will receive reduced tuition.

Contact

Apprentice Training Coordinator

(206) 878-3710, ext. 3131

optic@highline.edu

http://flightline.highline.edu/optician