You have solid math and problem solving skills, love to help others and enjoy hands-on work. You would like to work in a medical-related field, but without the time and financial commitments in getting a PhD. CT State Middlesex offers an affordable and flexible solution to meet your needs. Get started with an associate degree in Ophthalmic Design and Dispensing today! 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.

Associate in Science Degree

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.

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 take the placement test and place into ENG*101 Composition and MAT*137 to be eligible for 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.

Ophthalmic Design and Dispensing Program Mission Statement

The mission of the Ophthalmic Design and Dispensing Program is to provide quality training and instruction in the opticianry profession. As an equal opportunity institution, Middlesex welcomes all and encourages its students to seek excellence in their studies. The program further encourages students to learn to conduct an ethical professional practice of opticianry in order to provide a superior standard of care for the people that our graduates serve.

 Program Goals for 2022–2023

1. Maintain or increase enrollment level and retention rate.
2. Maintain or improve graduate pass‑rate on A.B.O. ‑ N.C.L.E. exams.
3. Assist 2023 graduates in passing state practical exams.
4. Increase or maintain departmental and student Community activities.
5. Increase ABO-NCLE continuing education oppor­tunities.
6. Improve equipment inventory and maintain existing equipment properly.
7. Increase student and faculty involvement in state and national professional societies.
8. Support participation of students and faculty in service and eyecare mission opportunities, including local, national and international programs.
9.  Promote diversity, equity and inclusion in student outreach, enrollment and retention.
10. Continue faculty professional development opportunities.
11. Continue faculty participation in professional organizations, seminars and workshops.
12. Increase public relations activities to maintain or improve the public image of the college and Ophthalmic Design and Dispensing Program.
13. Maintain or improve state licensure exam pass rate.
14. Eliminate hazardous waste and reduce non-hazardous waste to the minimum levels economically and technically practical, and to be in full-compliance with all federal and state environmental regulations

Accreditation

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

American Board of Opticianry (ABO) Pass Rates

National Contact Lens Registry Examination (NCLE) Pass Rates

State Board of Opticianry Licensure Examination (ABO and NCLE certifications are required)

Students Employed in the Vision Care Field

• 2018 100% (18 out of 18 total students employed)
• 2019 100% (12 out of 12 total students employed)
• 2020 100% (11 out of 11 total students employed)
• 2021 100% (8 out of 8 total students employed)
• 2022 100% (7 out of 7 total students employed)

Program Accreditation Status

The Ophthalmic Design and Dispensing Program has been accredited by the Commission on Opticianry Accreditation since 1990.

The Commission on Opticianry Accreditation (COA), a not-for-profit agency, accredits Opticianry education in the United States.

The mission of the Commission on Opticianry Accreditation is to foster excellence in opticianry education by setting standards, assessing educational effectiveness, and identifying those academic programs that meet the standards, in order to aid programs to produce competent graduates who will provide professional services to the public.

Scope of accreditation: COA accredits two-year Opticianry degree programs and one-year ophthalmic laboratory technology certificate programs in the United States and Canada that are sponsored by post-secondary institutions accredited by agencies recognized by the Department of Education or CHEA.

Recognition: The COA is recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA, https://www.chea.org/).

Commission on Opticianry Accreditation
PO Box 592
Canton NY, 13617
http://www.coaccreditation.com/

Per Federal Regulation, 34 CFR 668.43-Institutional Disclosure for Licensure Program; this program has a Positive Licensure Determination for the State of CT. If you are interested in applying this program outside the State of CT, please check current licensure agreement with your state.

For the Ophthalmic Design and Dispensing Program; positive licensure determination for the State of Connecticut. No licensure determination for all states except Connecticut.