Certificate of Completion

Ophthalmic Dispensing  (FOR REGISTERED APPRENTICES)

Students interested in this Certificate of Completion must contact the program director:

Mr. Scott Helkaa at (702) 651-5834

Nature of Work

Ophthalmic dispensers (opticians) perform a a broad range of tasks in vision care facilities.  A major task performed by this professional is manufacturing lenses for prescription eye-glasses.  They cut, grind, edge, and finish lenses according to specifications.  Ophthalmic dispensers may also fit eyeglasses and contact lenses by filling written prescriptions by ophthalmologists or optometrists or by neutralizing existing eyewear to make duplicates of spectacle lenses.  Often they help customers select the appropriate frames, lenses, and lens coatings.  Dispensers also:

• Fix, adjust and refit broken frames.
• Instruct clients about adapting to, wearing, and caring for eyeglasses.
• Keep records on customer prescriptions, work orders, and payments.
• Some dispensers specialize in fitting contacts, artificial eyes or cosmetic shells that cover blemished eyes.

Employment for ophthalmic dispensers is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2005.  An increase in demand for corrective lenses is expected due to growth in the population of middle-aged and older adults.   Most new jobs will be in retail optical chains that manufacture prescription glasses on the premises and provide fast service.

Ophthalmic Dispensing for Registered Apprentices at CSN (Certificate of Completion)

Program Course Sheet and Application Deadlines

Career Guide and Approximate Costs

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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. Prior to registering for these courses, students must contact the program director, Scott Helkaa, at (702)-651-5834.

For further information on this program, please e-mail the Program Director.