skip to main content

Optical Technician Program

Learn to Style Your Patients’ Vision. Train to be an Optician!

9
months Quick start your career
2
locationsLos Angeles and Ontario
2
DAYS A WEEKIn class, the rest online
Want more details about the Optical Technician program?

By submitting this form, I provide my signature, expressly consenting to calls, prerecorded messages, emails and/or texts regarding my educational options from American Career College using an automated dialing system to the number and email address provided. I understand my consent is not required to enroll at American Career College, and that I can withdraw my consent at any time. To request information without consenting, please call 877-832-0790. I also understand that I may revoke my consent at any time in accordance with ACC's Opt-Out Disclaimer. All information provided is subject to ACC's Privacy Policy. (**Standard rates may apply.) Disclaimer I understand that if I no longer wish to receive text messages from ACC, I may revoke my consent at any time by texting back "Stop" to unsubscribe from the service. I understand that if I no longer wish to receive emails, I may revoke my consent at any time by clicking the "Unsubscribe" link within any email I receive from ACC. I understand I may revoke my consent to receive calls by informing any ACC associate calling me that I no longer want to receive calls from ACC.

*Required

Optical technician school graduates prep patients for eye exams and help them find glasses that compliment their lifestyle.

Learn to perform pre-screening eye exams and help patients choose the right eye care solutions. Get experience both in the classroom and in the real world.

Train to help customers find eye care solutions they love, giving the gift of better vision. You'll get hands-on training working closely with optometrists, preparing patients for eye exams and filling prescriptions for glass and contact lenses.

Find an optical technician school near you. This program is taught in a blended format combining online classes with only 2 days per week of in-person instruction at our Los Angeles or Ontario Campus.

Although it is not required to work as an optical technician in California, graduates have the choice to pursue voluntary certification upon successful completion of the National Opticianry Competency Exam and Contact Lens Registry Exam administered by the American Board of Opticianry and National Contact Lens Examiners (ABO/NCLE).

Apply Now Schedule a Tour

In ACC's Optical Technician Program, You'll Learn to:

Learn to Conduct Eye Exam Pre-Screening Tests

Conduct Eye Exam Pre-Screening Tests

Learn to Dispense Eyeglasses

Dispense Eyeglasses

Learn Prescription Management

Manage Prescriptions

Learn to Adjust and Repair Frames

Adjust and Repair Frames

Learn Edge and Fit Contact Lenses

Edge and Fit Contact Lenses

Optical Technician Course List

Learn more about what's in store for you in the Optical Technician diploma program. For more on optical technician courses, visit the college catalog.

Required Courses

Course Number

Title

Clock Hours

Clinical Hours

Quarter Credits

OPT100 Light and Single Vision 80 0 6.0
OPT200 Multifocals 80 0 6.0
OPT300 Frames/Lenses 80 0 6.0
OPT400 Soft Contact Lenses 80 0 6.0
OPT500 Rigid Contact Lenses 80 0 6.0
OPT600 Anatomy/Physiology/Prisms 80 0 6.0
OPT700 Optical Office Procedures 80 0 6.0
EXT-OPT Externship § 220 200 8.5
 

Totals

780

200

50.5

Course Number: OPT100

Title Light and Single Vision
Clock Hours80
Clinical Hours0
Quarter Credits6.0

Course Number: OPT200

Title Multifocals
Clock Hours80
Clinical Hours0
Quarter Credits6.0

Course Number: OPT300

Title Frames/Lenses
Clock Hours80
Clinical Hours0
Quarter Credits6.0

Course Number: OPT400

Title Soft Contact Lenses
Clock Hours80
Clinical Hours0
Quarter Credits6.0

Course Number: OPT500

Title Rigid Contact Lenses
Clock Hours80
Clinical Hours0
Quarter Credits6.0

Course Number: OPT600

Title Anatomy/Physiology/Prisms
Clock Hours80
Clinical Hours0
Quarter Credits6.0

Course Number: OPT700

Title Optical Office Procedures
Clock Hours80
Clinical Hours0
Quarter Credits6.0

Course Number: EXT-OPT

Title Externship §
Clock Hours220
Clinical Hours200
Quarter Credits8.5

TOTALS

Clock Hours

780

Clinical Hours

200

Quarter Credits

50.5

§ Courses offered on ground.

*Courses offered in a blended format, a combination of online and on ground.

TOTAL CREDIT HOURS: 50.5

Optical Technician
Optical Technician Program Overview

The American Career College Optical Technician program is designed to help you prepare for an entry-level position as an optical technician, optical lab technician or contact lens fitter.

Jobs like these require an interesting mix of clinical skills, salesmanship and style including knowing how to perform these tasks:

  • Conduct basic eye exams
  • Fill prescriptions from both ophthalmologists and optometrists
  • Fit eyeglasses and contact lenses for people with eye problems
  • And many other important responsibilities1

ACC's dynamic optical technician school helps prepare you for the National Opticianry Competency Exam and Contact Lens Registry Exam administered by the American Board of Opticianry and National Contact Lens Examiners (ABO/NCLE). Doing well on this exam can be an important step for an optometric assistant certification.

The focus is on your success!

The goal of our optical technician classes and program is to help you graduate with the confidence and qualifications to begin your career.

1California Employment Development Department OCC Guide, Opticians, Dispensing in California

Optical Technician Gallery

Optical Technician Program
Optical Technician Program
Optical Technician Program
Optical Technician Program
Optical Technician Program
Optical Technician Program
Optical Technician Program
Optical Technician Program
Optical Technician Program

FAQs

What does an optical technician do?

Optical technicians help patients discover eye care solutions that not only improve their vision but make them feel good. They typically work in a doctor's office or retail setting, assisting patients with fittings and recommending eyeglasses and contact lenses based on the patient’s occupation, hobbies and facial features.

Here are some things you may do:

  • Assist customers in selecting and fitting eyeglasses or contact lenses
  • Provide information on options pertaining to frames, tints and coating
  • Make recommendations based on the customer’s needs, occupation and habits
  • Fit eyeglasses and make adjustments as needed
  • Provide instructions on how to care for eyewear or contact lenses1

1California Employment Development Department OCC Guide, Opticians, Dispensing in California

Am I a good fit for the Optical Technician program?

If you love working directly with people and helping them find the right products for their needs, you might enjoy a career as an optical technician.

Here are some of the top skills and attributes that make for a great optical technician:

Speaking and communication – Optical technicians work directly with customers, covering information on options including frames, tints and coating. They should be able to communicate effectively to help customers make the best decision.

Active listening – Optical technicians should be able to listen to and understand customer concerns to make the best recommendations possible.

Service orientation – A great optical technician is one with a passion for helping patients and for providing the best care possible.

Social perceptiveness – Being aware of and understanding customers’ reactions helps optical technicians provide patient-centered service.

Judgement and decision making – Optical technicians should be able to consider each patient’s needs and recommend the best products for each individual.

Where do optical technicians work?

Optical technicians can work in a variety of settings, including:

  • Optometrists’ offices
  • Optical labs
  • Retail vision centers
  • Ophthalmologists’ offices1

1California Employment Development Department OCC Guide, Opticians, Dispensing in California

What will I learn in the Optical Technician program?

The American Career College Optical Technician curriculum is divided into standalone learning units called class modules, which include:

Light and Single Vision – Coursework in this module is designed to teach you the basic anatomy and physiology of the eye. Causes and treatments of low vision are discussed, and you will also receive hands-on training in lensometry, frame measurements and patient measurements.

Multifocals – In these courses, you will learn about different lens designs, prescription, true powers, transposition, metric system and diopter power. You will also practice the steps required to fabricate multifocal glasses using plastic, metal and nylon cord frames and receive hands-on experience in progressive lens mapping techniques.

Frames/Lenses – Coursework in this module covers different lens and frame materials and designs as well as various optical products available in the market. You will be introduced to salesmanship, and you will have the opportunity to practice frame standards along with anatomical alignments and repairs.

Soft Contact Lenses – In these courses, you will study anatomy and the physiology of the eye as you learn to fit, insert and remove soft contact lenses. You will also gain hands-on practice with keratometer, slit lamp and other related instruments to verify CL parameters. Additionally, you will be introduced to various complications and medical problems related to CL wear.

Rigid Contact Lenses – These courses focus on teaching you the effect of vertex distance on lens power. Refractive errors are presented, and you will study the proper care system for rigid lenses. You will also be introduced to various complications and medical conditions that require specialty contact lens fitting.

Anatomy/Physiology/Prisms – In these courses, different lens designs, prescription, true powers, transposition, the metric system and diopter power are discussed and you will learn to calculate the horizontal and vertical powers. You will also receive hands-on experience in lensometry, frame measurements and patient measurements while practicing the steps required to fabricate a pair of glasses with prescribed prisms.

Optical Office Procedures – Coursework in this class module prepares you for various tasks in an optical office, including the practicing of salesmanship through role-playing. You will also practice adjustments, repair frames using hand tools and learn about HIPAA and vision care billing.

Dispensing Optician Externship – Under the direct supervision of qualified personnel, you will be given the opportunity to demonstrate and reinforce the knowledge and skills presented and practiced throughout the school's training program.

For a complete description of coursework in these modules, please refer to the ACC Catalog.

How long is the Optical Technician program?

Students can earn their diploma in the Optical Technician program in as little as 9 months.

How much does the Optical Technician program cost?

Our admissions advisors and financial aid advisors are here to support you. They can help you figure out the optical technician school cost and help you explore financial aid options.

To learn more about ACC’s Optical Technician program cost, access our tuition info.

Is financial aid available?

Yes, financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify. Visit our financial aid page to learn more about available opportunities.

Will I get real-world training?

Yes! ACC's Optical Technician program includes a 220-hour externship thatgives students the opportunity to demonstrate and reinforce the knowledge and skills they acquired learning hands-on throughout the training program.

Optical Technician
After over 200 hours of your externship, you'll be ready to jump-start your new career.

Our classes are modeled after real-life situations, using the same equipment you'll come across in your first job, such as a Lensometer and Opikam. That way, you're prepared to jump in on your very first day.

Schedule a Tour

"ACC prepares you for your field by giving you hands-on experience and knowledge prior to working. Literally everything we did in our optics class, I do daily in the field."

- Nyisha W. '20

Optical Technician
How to Become an Optician in California

Interested in becoming an optician, optical lab technician, optical dispenser, or contact lens fitter in California? Then you will need to understand the stepping stones for entering the profession of opticianry, including the required education, certification, and licensure.

See Career Guide

What's Happening at American Career College
Want more details about the Optical Technician program?

By submitting this form, I provide my signature, expressly consenting to calls, prerecorded messages, emails and/or texts regarding my educational options from American Career College using an automated dialing system to the number and email address provided. I understand my consent is not required to enroll at American Career College, and that I can withdraw my consent at any time. To request information without consenting, please call 877-832-0790. I also understand that I may revoke my consent at any time in accordance with ACC's Opt-Out Disclaimer. All information provided is subject to ACC's Privacy Policy. (**Standard rates may apply.) Disclaimer I understand that if I no longer wish to receive text messages from ACC, I may revoke my consent at any time by texting back "Stop" to unsubscribe from the service. I understand that if I no longer wish to receive emails, I may revoke my consent at any time by clicking the "Unsubscribe" link within any email I receive from ACC. I understand I may revoke my consent to receive calls by informing any ACC associate calling me that I no longer want to receive calls from ACC.

*Required

Voted Best Career College in the 2024 Inland Valley Daily Bulletin Readers Choice Awards

Ontario Campus: Voted Best Career College in the 2024 Inland Valley Daily Bulletin Readers Choice Awards.

Voted Best Career College in the 2024 LA Daily News Readers Choice Awards.

LA Campus: Voted Best Career College in the 2024 LA Daily News Readers Choice Awards.

Voted Best Career College in the 2024 San Gabriel Valley Tribune Readers Choice Awards.

OC Campus: Voted Best Career College in the 2024 San Gabriel Valley Tribune Readers Choice Awards.

Scroll to the top
Call Us