2025-2026 Catalog and Student Handbook 
    
    Jul 14, 2025  
2025-2026 Catalog and Student Handbook

Ophthalmic Technology: Ophthalmic Dispensing Technician, AAS


CODE: OPHT-AAS     |     TOTAL CREDITS: 68     |     FINANCIAL AID ELIGIBILITY: Eligible

This degree is not intended for transfer to UNLV, UNR, or NSU.  Some of the courses may be eligible for transfer depending on the policies of the institution you are transferring to.  Students who wish to transfer should consult with their assigned advising unit.

ACADEMIC MAP: Map: CSN AAS Ophthalmic Technology: Ophthalmic Dispensing Technician 


SCHOOL: School of Health Sciences 
AREA OF STUDY: Health Sciences

LIMITED ENTRY PROGRAM
Some of these courses are program prerequisites and MUST be completed before a student is eligible to be considered for admission into the Program. 
 
Prospective students MUST complete a Health Programs Orientation (HPO - https://launch.comevo.com/csn/1853) then schedule an appointment to meet with a Health Programs Advisor via the HPA WCOnline scheduler (https://hpa.mywconline.com/).
 
Note: Prospective students are expected to meet this program’s Essential Functions.  To review the Essential Functions for this program, go to csn.edu/health-sciences-program-requirements, select your program, and click the link.  Learners with a documented need for accommodation must contact the Disability Resources Center (csn.edu/disability-resource-center). 

DESCRIPTION
The Ophthalmic Technology Program prepares graduates to be licensed opticians. The program consists of systematic instruction and experience in all aspects of the work in the profession. The program includes instruction and laboratory training in: contact lens skills, eye wear dispensing skills, lens finishing techniques, lens surfacing techniques, as well as sales techniques, basic business operations and communications. Instruction and practice in low vision aids, physician assisting skills, and ocular prosthetics are also covered.
 
Graduates of the program are prepared to take the American Board of Opticianry and the National Contact Lens Examiners certification examinations. Graduates are also prepared to take the Nevada Board of dispensing Opticians licensing examination.
 
Graduates of the program can gain employment as manufacturing opticians, dispensing opticians, entry level management positions in vision care, as well as open their own independent vision care facility.

SPECIALIZED ACCREDITATION
Accrediting Agency: Commission on Opticianry Accreditation, PO Box 592 Canton NY, 13617, (703) 468 0566.

 

Student Learning Outcomes


  1. Perform all the daily tasks of a laboratory and dispensing optician in a competent manner.
  2. Analyze the prescriptive and lifestyle needs of a patient and make appropriate recommendations for optical devices.
  3. Be qualified as a candidate for the ABO, NCLE, and Nevada State Board of Dispensing Opticians licensing examinations.

General Education Requirements


TOTAL GENERAL EDUCATION CREDITS: 22


300-level and above courses cannot be used to satisfy GE requirements.

Mathematics (3 Credits)


NOTE: Your first college-level MATH course MUST be completed before reaching 30 total college-level credits.

English Composition (3-5 Credits)


NOTE: Your first college-level ENG course MUST be completed before reaching 30 total college-level credits.

Natural Science (3 Credits)


Fine Arts/Humanities/Social Sciences (3 Credits)


  • any AM prefix course
  • or  any ANTH prefix course (except ANTH 102 and ANTH 110L)
  • or  any ART prefix course
  • or  any COM prefix course
  • or  any ECON prefix course
  • or   or above
  • or  
  • or  any HIST prefix course
  • or  any MUS prefix course (except MUS 100)
  • or  any PHIL prefix course
  • or  any PSC prefix course
  • or  any PSY prefix course
  • or  any SOC prefix course
  • or  any THTR prefix course (except THTR 275)
  • or  
  • or   World Languages (this includes the following course prefixes: ARA, ARM, CHI, FIL, FREN, GER, GRE, ITAL, JPN, KOR, LAT, PORT, RUS, SPAN, and THAI)