Certificate of Completion

Contact Lens Technician

Nature of Work

Contact Lens Technicians may work in independent practice or work under the direction of an ophthalmologist or optometrist.  Contact Lens Technicians will fill a doctor's prescription for contact lenses.  A patient must obtain a prescription for contact lenses from a physician.  Responsibilities of the contact lens technician include:   contact lens handling, fitting, and follow-up care.  Contact Lens Technicians must have computer skills, communication skills, and an understanding of medical / legal implications.  The job market for technicians is good with many jobs available on various shifts in private practices, corporate entities and hospitals.

Career opportunities include:

  • Private Practice                                          
  • Corporate Practice
  • Independent Practice
  • Hospitals / Clinics
  • Optometrist Offices
  • Ophthalmologist Offices
  • Corporate Sales Representatives

Average Starting Salary:   $18,000
Average High Salary:       $40,000


Program Prerequisites

Students must have a GED or high school diploma.  Students should possess good verbal and written communication skills and must be able to perform basic mathematical functions.  Students may be required to show proof of health insurance and immunizations as specified by the clinical affiliate.


Program Description

This training program is designed to assist individuals in preparing for the NCLE examination, CLSA Honored Fellow Examination, and the Nevada State Board of Dispensing Opticians - Contact Lens Licensure Examination.    The contact lens courses are offered during Fall and Spring semester.   Refer to your current semester schedule to verify when and where these courses are being held.   You will take OPHT 112B, OPHT 102B, and OPHT 220B in the Fall semester and OPHT 202B, OPHT 203B, and OPHT 161B in the following Spring semester.


Certificate of Completion Course Requirements

Program Course Sheet

Career Guide and Approximate Costs

 


Admission Requirements

In order to fit contact lenses in the state of Nevada, you must first obtain your Nevada License for Ophthalmic Dispensing.  (See the A.A.S. Advisement sheet for Ophthalmic Technology Dispensing Emphasis.)  After achieving Licensure to dispense eyewear, you must take and pass the NCLE certification exam.  You will also have to complete an apprenticeship as dictated by the state board.  After all of these requirements are met, you will take a written and practical examination administered by the Nevada State Board of Dispensing Opticians.  You must speak with the program director prior to starting the program.  The Program director's phone number is 702-651-5834.

The College of Southern Nevada's Contact Lens Technician program is an Open Entry Program.  Therefore, an application for admission is NOT required.   Cross reference each required course with the College Catalog to verify any restrictions.


New Student Checklist
New students to CSN planning to register for this Open-Entry Health Science program should complete the steps outlined on the Checklist for New Students Seeking an Open-Entry Health Science Certificate of Completion.


Please contact the Health Programs Advisement Office at 651-5690 for further information or e-mail the Health Programs Advisor directly.


CSN Home Page  

This page last modified: 12/2007