CONNECTICUT OPTICIANS ASSOCIATION

Opticianry Careers

What is an Optician?
"Opticians design and dispense eyeglasses. In many states, including Connecticut, they design and fit contact lenses. Opticians analyze the written prescriptions of an ophthalmologist (MD) or optometrist (OD) to determine the specifications of the lenses. Special instrumentation may be used to determine and compare a prescription from existing eyewear. Opticians often communicate directly with the prescribing ophthalmologist or optometrist to verify or discuss the written prescription."

Quoted from: Middlesex Community College. 
For complete description, please visit theirwebsite.

The occupational outlook for ophthalmic dispensers (opticians) has been spurred by baby boomers and an increasingly elderly population. Demand for opticians should continue to grow through the year 2024. Fashion is also a driving force for qualified dispensing opticians. As ophthalmic and contact lens technology continues to develop, the demand for opticians should continue to increase.

For additional information on this field, please visit the US Department of Labor Occupational Handbook.

You may also view a short videotape about this career choice by clicking this link. In addition to eyewear, Connecticut opticians are also licensed to fit and dispense contact lenses.

The Ophthalmic Design & Dispensing Program at Middlesex Community College in Middletown is the only college based program in Connecticut offering a degree in Opticianry. To obtain additional information, or speak to a career counselor about becoming an optician in the state of Connecticut, we recommend that you contact Middlesex Community College.

The complete curriculum for the Ophthalmic Design and Dispensing Program at Middlesex Community College may be viewed by clicking here. For further information, please contact Program Coordinator, Dr. Arlan Aceto. He may be reached at (860) 343-5846, or by email at AAceto@mxcc.edu.

The Connecticut Opticians Association gratefully acknowledges the support of these industry sponsors:

Essilor-Luxottica Eyecare
Cherry Optical Lab
WARBY PARKER
EssilorUSA
Taylor Madison Eyewear
Costco Wholesale
Acuvue
Ocean State Optical
Bausch + Lomb
Marchon Eyewear

 

We also extend our thanks to these sponsors: