Contact Lens Technician (CC)
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.
Contact Lens Technician (CC) Requirements
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.
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.
Students interested in this Certificate of Completion must contact the program director.
Student's First Checklist
New students planning to register for courses at CSN must follow the steps outlined on the Open Entry Program Checklist. This checklist provides information on the registration process for new students seeking an Open-Entry Health Science Certificate of Achievement or Completion.
Find out how to Transfer Credits to CSN from other colleges.
Ophthalmic Dispensing for Registered Apprentices (CC)
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 (CC) Requirements
Note: Students are expected to meet all admission criteria and matriculating students are expected to meet all progression criteria, as well as these Essential Functions of Ophthalmic Dispensing Students. Students with documented need for accommodation are to meet with the Disability Resources Center.
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.
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.
Students interested in this Certificate of Completion must contact the program director.
Student's First Checklist
New students planning to register for courses at CSN must follow the steps outlined on the Open Entry Program Checklist. This checklist provides information on the registration process for new students seeking an Open-Entry Health Science Certificate of Achievement or Completion.
Find out how to Transfer Credits to CSN from other colleges.
If you have any questions regarding this program, please contact one of our Health Programs Advisement Offices.
- Charleston Campus: (702) 651-5885, Building K Lobby
- North Las Vegas Campus: (702) 651-4415, Main Building Room N212
- Henderson Campus: (702) 651-3563, Student Union Room 127