Ophthalmic Design & Dispensing, AS (ODD-AS)

CT State Community College Catalog 2023-2024 New students enrolling for the first time in Fall 2023 will begin as students of Connecticut State Community College under this catalog.  Continuing students from one of the 12 community colleges will be transitioned into a CT State program in this catalog as of the start of the Fall 2023 term. The policies, courses and programs described are applicable as of the Fall 2023 term and may be updated as circumstances require.

The Ophthalmic Design and Dispensing (OD&D) at Middlesex Campus of Connecticut (CT) State Community College is designed for students that have solid math and problem-solving skills, love to help others and enjoy hands-on work. Students would like to work in a medical-related field, but without the time and financial commitments in getting a PhD. The OD&D program at Middlesex Campus of CT State Community College provides an affordable and flexible Associate Degree to meet student needs. This two-year degree program prepares students for future work as licensed opticians working to help others through the design and dispensing of eyeglasses, contact lenses and low-vision aids. 

This program is designed for individuals who are interested in becoming licensed opticians. Successful completion of this program will be accepted in lieu of the four-year, 8000-hour apprenticeship requirement to become a licensed optician in the State of Connecticut. This degree is also accepted in many states in order to be eligible for licensure. 

Learning Outcomes: 

Upon successful completion of all program requirements, graduates will be able to: 

• Communicate effectively through development of proficiency in oral/written/electronic communication skills 
• Demonstrate proficiency in critical thinking and problem-solving skills 
• Complete the requirements for National Certification by the American Board of Opticianry 
• Complete the requirements for National Certification by the National Contact Lens Examiners 
• Demonstrate the practical skills required to successfully complete the optical portion of the State of Connecticut - Board of Examiners State Practical Exam 
• Demonstrate the practical skills required to successfully complete the contact lens portion of the State of Connecticut - Board of Examiners State Practical Exam 
• Demonstrate familiarity with the statutes and regulations in Chapter 381 (Opticians) of the Connecticut General Statutes and Regulations and successfully complete the State Law portion of the State of Connecticut - Board of Examiners State Practical Exam 
• Meet the minimum education requirement for licensing as an optician in all of the states requiring licensure for opticians

Selective Admission: Enrollment in the program is restricted because of limited lab facilities, and early application is encouraged.

• Only completed applications with all documents will be considered.
• Students are admitted to the fall term only.
• Students must meet with program coordinator and take a program-specific math worksheet as part of the admissions process.
• Students must be eligible for ENG 1010 and MATH 1010 to begin this program.
• Official transcripts are required for transfer credit.
• Ophthalmic Design and Dispensing students must receive a grade of C or better in Ophthalmic Dispensing courses in order to obtain a degree in this program. With an OD&D Degree from Middlesex Campus of CT State Community College, a student can get work in an optical shop, corporate optical business, private Optometrist’s office, or a private Ophthalmologist’s office.

How long will you have to go to school?
Most students are able to finish the program within 21 months or 2- calendar years. Our program encourages lifelong learning and many of our students continue on to bachelors degrees. A small percent of students choose to continue their education to become Optometrists and Ophthalmologists, both of which require Doctoral level degrees. Job Availability & Growth: Spurred by the demographic of the baby boomers and the elderly, an increasing demand for eyewear and contact lenses should be good for the optician. As the aging population continues to grow, more demand will be created for corrective lenses and a requirement for regular vision care. Fashion will also continue to drive the demand for dispensing opticians. As ophthalmic and contact technology continues to develop the demand for the services of opticians will increase.

The Ophthalmic Design and Dispensing Program is accredited by the Commission on Opticianry Accreditation, PO Box 592, Canton, NY 13617.