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Home Catalog Programs of Study List of Programs Optical Technology

Optical Technology

Overview

The Optical Technology program has two certificates that prepare the student for employment as an Optical Technician and Contact Lens Technician. Courses for both certificates are mostly online with some lab time on-campus and an in-person internship required. The in-person classes will be held at our West Sacramento Center.

The two stackable certificates have 7 units of common coursework. It is recommended that the Optical Technician certificate be completed before beginning the Contact Lens Technician Certificate Program.

Optical Technician Certificate | Contact Lens Technician Certificate

Optical Technology Program Details

Certificates Offered

  • Contact Lens Technician Certificate
  • Optical Technician Certificate

Certificates of Achievement

Contact Lens Technician Certificate

The Contact Lens Technician Program is an academic certificate that prepares students for occupations in visual technology services. The certificate includes online classroom instruction, in-person laboratory practice and an internship in a vision services or retail opticianry business where students will assess patients and provide contact lens fitting services. Skills that will be learned include contact lens fitting and adjustment, manufacturing of lenses and business concepts for optical services. This program is designed to be a full-time or part-time certificate that is 75% online. After successful completion of the curriculum, the student is eligible to take the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) Examination and upon passing becomes a certified contact lens technician. This evidence of competence is recognized throughout the United States. In addition, graduates will be able to apply for registration as a Registered Contact Lens Dispenser with the California State Board of Optometry. In addition to normal student expenses (for textbooks, etc.), the contact lens technician program requires an expenditure of approximately $400.00 during the program for lab coat/uniforms, special supplies and transportation to internship sites. Applicants are encouraged to check with the Financial Aid Office for possible assistance before entering the program.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Certificate Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
AH 106 Communication for Allied Health Careers 2
OPT 101 Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology of the Eye 3
CISA 315 Introduction to Electronic Spreadsheets 2
OPT 202 Contact Lens Theory I 3
OPT 203 Contact Lens Skills Lab I 1.5
OPT 204 Contact Lens Theory II 3
OPT 205 Contact Lens Clinical Lab I 2.5
OPT 206 Review Course for National Contact Lens Certification Exam 1
Total Units: 18

Enrollment Eligibility

To be eligible for enrollment in the program, the student must meet the following criteria:

  • Completion of application form.
  • Recommended to have completed or have in-progress the Optical Technician certificate program.

Enrollment Process

Eligible students are selected for the program according to the following steps:

  • Complete the online application form per the Sac City Optical Technology website.
  • In the event there are more applicants than spaces available, students will be entered into a random selection pool.
  • The first 30 applicants identified through the random selection process will be selected for the program; all others are alternates and will be notified if/when seats become available in that semester.
  • Students accepted for enrollment in the Contact Lens Technician Certificate Program will be required to provide documentation of capability to perform essential job-related functions of a Contact Lens Technician as determined by professional practice standards and the industry advisory board.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • analyze professional, ethical, legal, business and regulatory concepts to contact lens services, community projects, and professional activities.
  • correlate health literacy and culturally competent communication skills to contact lens services, academic endeavors, community projects, and professional activities.
  • prioritize critical thinking and self-assessment skills to enhance learning, research, patient care, and professional growth.
  • integrate knowledge of the practice of opticianry to the demonstration of optician related skills in customer service, business skills, contact lens manufacturing processes, and delivery of optician care services.
  • synthesize knowledge necessary for successful completion of the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) Examination and California State Board of Optometry’s Registration as a Contact Lens Dispenser (RCLD).

Career Information

This program prepares the student for employment as an optician or contact lens technician who dispenses contact lenses. The optician or contact lens technician may work independently at registered dispensing optician locations or with an optometrist or ophthalmologist in the fitting, adjusting, and dispensing of contact lenses for patients. Employment opportunities are growing in this field with starting wages between $20-23 for the region with opportunities for career advancement. Employment settings include private optometry practices, registered dispensing optician locations, public and private hospitals, clinics and laboratories, optometry schools, optical laboratories, manufacturing companies, educational programs, and the armed forces.

Optical Technician Certificate

The Optical Technician Program is an academic certificate that prepares students for occupations in visual technology services. The certificate includes online classroom instruction, in-person laboratory practice and an internship in a vision services or retail opticianry business where students will assess patients and provide eye glass fitting services. Skills that will be learned include eye glass fitting and adjustment, manufacturing of lenses and frames and business concepts for optical services. This program is designed to be a full-time or part-time certificate that is 75% online. The SCC Optical Technology website will have current offering information for the part time or full time tracks. After successful completion of the curriculum, the student is eligible to take the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) Examination and upon passing becomes a Certified Optician. This evidence of competence is recognized throughout the United States. In addition, graduates will be able to apply for registration as a Registered Spectacle Lens Dispenser with the California State Board of Optometry. In addition to normal student expenses (for textbooks, etc.), the optical technician program requires an expenditure of approximately $400.00 during the certificate program for lab coat/uniforms, special supplies and transportation costs for internships. Applicants are encouraged to check with the Financial Aid Office for possible assistance before entering the program if this creates a hardship.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Certificate Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
AH 106 Communication for Allied Health Careers 2
OPT 101 Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology of the Eye 3
CISA 315 Introduction to Electronic Spreadsheets 2
OPT 102 Optical Materials Theory I 3
OPT 103 Optical Materials Skills Lab I 1
OPT 104 Optical Dispensing Theory I 3
OPT 105 Optical Dispensing Clinical Lab I 2
OPT 106 Review Course for American Board of Opticianry (ABO) Certification Exam 1
Total Units: 17

Enrollment Eligibility

To be eligible for enrollment in the program, the student must meet the following criteria:

  • Completion of online application form.

Enrollment Process

Eligible students are selected for the program according to the following steps:

  • Complete the online application form per the Sac City Optical Technology website.
  • In the event there are more applicants than spaces available, students will be entered into a random selection pool.
  • The first 30 applicants identified through the random selection process will be selected for the program; all others are alternates and will be notified if/when seats become available in that semester.
  • Students accepted for enrollment in the Optical Technician Certificate Program will be required to provide documentation of capability to perform essential job-related functions of an Optical Technician as determined by professional practice standards and the industry advisory board.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • analyze professional, ethical, legal, business and regulatory concepts to eyeglass services, community projects, and professional activities.
  • correlate health literacy and culturally competent communication skills to eyeglass services, academic endeavors, community projects, and professional activities.
  • prioritize critical thinking and self-assessment skills to enhance learning, research, patient care, and professional growth.
  • integrate knowledge of the practice of opticianry to the demonstration of optician related skills in customer service, business skills, eye glass lens and frame manufacturing processes, and delivery of optician care services.
  • synthesize knowledge necessary for successful completion of the National American Board of Opticianry (ABO) Examination and California State Board of Optometry’s Registration as a Spectacle Lens Dispenser (RSLD).

Career Information

This program prepares the student for employment as an optician. The optician may work independently at registered dispensing optician locations or with an optometrist or ophthalmologist in the fitting, adjusting, and dispensing of eyeglasses for patients. Employment opportunities show projected growth in the region with starting wages from $19-$21 and opportunities for career advancement into higher positions. Employment settings include private optometry practices, registered dispensing optician locations, public and private hospitals, clinics and laboratories, optometry schools, optical laboratories, manufacturing companies, educational programs, and the armed forces.

Optical Technology (OPT) Courses

OPT 101 Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology of the Eye

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course covers the anatomical and physiological functions of the eye and its associated structures. Emphasis is on normal vision and common disorders of the visual system. In addition, students will learn material related to the physiological developmental stages from pediatrics to geriatrics, and its relation to refractive errors. Topics also include accommodation, eye movements, anomalies, common and special surgical procedures and basic pharmacological agents. This course has a math emphasis, which will require basic calculations.

OPT 102 Optical Materials Theory I

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Corequisite:OPT 103
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

In this course, students are introduced to the study of optical theory, principles of optics, ophthalmic lens characteristics and design. Students will learn the arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry necessary to evaluate optical formulas. Topics include applying the metric system, intermediate and advanced optical calculations, theories of light, refractive errors, lens measurement, refraction, refractive errors, tilts, face form, lens aberrations, lens reflection, image formation, absorption, transmission, and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) as it relates to the Optical and Optometry environment.

OPT 103 Optical Materials Skills Lab I

  • Units:1
  • Hours:54 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Corequisite:OPT 102
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course introduces the students to the career and role of an Optician in an Optometry, Optical, and lab environment. Topics include operations of the ophthalmic laboratory, practices and procedures. Emphasis is on surfacing and finishing, frame and lens materials, inventory, equipment and instrumentation, and safety, American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requirements.

OPT 104 Optical Dispensing Theory I

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Corequisite:OPT 105
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course introduces the historical and modern dispensing practices and the laws governing opticianry, frame and lens materials, fitting and adjustments, performing dispensing and administrative tasks, professional etiquette, and billing insurance. In this course the student will learn about basic optical business management, current eyecare trends and practices. Topics include inventory management, advertising, and future trends.

OPT 105 Optical Dispensing Clinical Lab I

  • Units:2
  • Hours:108 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:OPT 101, 102, and 103 with grades of "C" or better; Or OPT 101, OPT 102 and OPT 103 can be taken currently for a full-time student taking the certificate one 16-week semester.
  • Corequisite:OPT 104
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course provides practical experience in assigned businesses, with emphasis on observation and practical application. Emphasis is on working conditions in different production settings and on time demands. Students will actively learn about the role of an Optician in an Optometry and Optical environment, job opportunities, basic optical business management, current eyecare trends and practices, professional ethics, advertising, future trends, customer service, cult diversity with patients, sensory considerations, teamwork, applying laws and regulations when fitting and dispensing to patients, processing orders, billing insurance, and fabricating lenses.

OPT 106 Review Course for American Board of Opticianry (ABO) Certification Exam

  • Units:1
  • Hours:18 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:OPT 101, 102, 103, 104, and 105 with grades of "C" or better; Or work experience in the field of optical technology.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

The focus of this course is on reviewing concepts, questions, and practical knowledge acquired from prerequisite courses to prepare for the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) State Exam to become certified as an Optician. This review will provide students with opportunities to take practice quizzes covering ocular anatomy, physiology, pathology, and refraction, ophthalmic optics, ophthalmic formulas, ophthalmic products, instrumentation, dispensing, laws, regulations, and standards.

OPT 202 Contact Lens Theory I

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Corequisite:OPT 203
  • Advisory:OPT 101, 102, 103, 104, and 105 with grades of "C" or better
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course introduces the theory of contact lens fitting. Emphasis is on soft and rigid contact lens design and fitting concepts, adjustments and modifications, different types of contact lenses, wearing schedules and adhering to federal and state regulations, and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines. Application of technical concepts of optical sciences will be applied to services for contact lens patients. In addition, students will learn material related to the physiological developmental stages from pediatrics to geriatrics.

OPT 203 Contact Lens Skills Lab I

  • Units:1.5
  • Hours:81 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Corequisite:OPT 202
  • Advisory:OPT 101, 102, 103, 104, and 105 with grades of "C" or better
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

In this course, the student will apply knowledge from OPT 202 (Contact Lens Theory I) to analyze prescriptions and make contact lens selections. Topics include refraction, prism, lens power, formulas, use of basic computations, and instrumentation. This course has an intermediate level of math emphasis. Students will evaluate, adjust, modify, insert, and remove contact lenses while adhering to Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) guidelines within the laboratory.

OPT 204 Contact Lens Theory II

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:OPT 202 with a grade of "C" or better; or concurrent enrollment in OPT 202
  • Corequisite:OPT 205
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course continues the study of contact lens fitting with an emphasis on soft contact lens advanced fitting design and techniques. Topics include evaluating, fitting, dispensing contact lenses, interpreting prescriptions, extended-wear lenses, care procedures, keratotomy, keratoconus, troubleshooting, and federal and state regulations.

OPT 205 Contact Lens Clinical Lab I

  • Units:2.5
  • Hours:135 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:OPT 101, 202, and 203 with grades of "C" or better; Or concurrent enrollment with OPT 101, OPT 202 and OPT 203 to accommodate for a full-time student completing the certificate in one 16 week semester.
  • Corequisite:OPT 204
  • Advisory:OPT 105, 202, and 203 with grades of "C" or better
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course provides practical experience in assigned businesses, with emphasis on observation, practical application, and working conditions in different production settings and on time demands. Students will actively learn about the role of an Optician in an Optometry and Optical environment, job opportunities, professional ethics, customer service, cultural diversity with patients, sensory considerations, teamwork, applying laws and regulations when fitting and dispensing contact lenses to patients, processing orders, and billing insurance.

OPT 206 Review Course for National Contact Lens Certification Exam

  • Units:1
  • Hours:18 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:OPT 101, 202, 203, 204, and 205 with grades of "C" or better; Or work experience in contact fitting job skills in an optical technology setting.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course provides preparation for the National Contact Lens Examiner (NCLE) State Exam. Practice quizzes are featured which supports successful completion of the state exam. Topics include, but not limited to, ocular anatomy, physiology, pathology, refractive errors, principles of optics and terminology related to contact lenses, instrumentation and observation, prefitting, diagnostic fitting, dispensing, follow-up, administrative procedures, laws, and regulations.

OPT 299 Experimental Offering in Optical Technology

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is the experimental courses description.

OPT 499 Experimental Offering in Optical Technology

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is the experimental courses description.

Catalog