Envision your future

What is an Optician?
Opticians are experts in vision! They are an essential part of the eye care delivery system, trained to interpret & analyze prescriptions so they can prepare, fit and dispense optical appliances such as eyeglass lenses, frames, and contact lenses. Opticians often work in a retail optical setting, private practice, hospital clinic, ophthalmic laboratory or wholesale optical company and their career path can take them from a dispensing optician to management, contact lens fitting, product sales, manufacturing, or consulting. In the Richmond area, dispensing opticians typically make an average salary of $45,000. U.S. News and The Wall Street Journal continue to rank opticianry as one of the best jobs, with the most satisfaction, throughout the country.

Choose Reynolds
Reynolds offers the only nationally accredited programs in the state of Virginia. Our faculty are formally trained and our curriculum is nationally accredited. Students enjoy all that comes with being a college student - convenience and flexibility in scheduling classes, eligibility for financial aid, college resources, and a support system of outstanding faculty and peers that will ensure success.

To provide quality education in the profession of Opticianry resulting in an Associate in Applied Science Degree and to prepare graduates for employment meeting the needs of the workforce. As an equal opportunity institution, Reynolds welcomes all and encourages its students to seek excellence in their studies.

Two ways to become an optician

Reynolds is the only college in the Commonwealth of Virginia that offers an associate degree program in Opticianry. In fact, nearly 100% of all students who complete the associate degree program pass the Virginia Opticians State Licensing exam on the first attempt, the credential you will need to practice professional opticianry. Taking the exam more than once can become costly. Get the preparation you need by completing a comprehensive two-year associate degree. All classes in this program are offered online, with the exception of labs and clinicals, which can be completed on campus or at an approved site near you. View the full curriculum for the Associate of Applied Science in Opticianry.

For students that need to complete credits while working, The Department of Labor and Industry offer a two year optician apprenticeship program. Every registered apprentice is required to complete coursework while they complete on-the-job training. Reynolds offers this coursework in 7 online courses. View the full curriculum for the Career Studies Certificate for Opticians Apprentice.

Accreditation
These programs are nationally accredited by the Commission on Opticianry Accreditation and are members of the National Federation of Opticianry Schools. For more information:

Commission on Opticianry Accreditation
PO Box 592
Canton, NY 13617
(703) 468-0566

Annual Statistics and Program Outcomes

The following tables indicate how many Reynolds Community College Opticianry students graduated,passed national certifications, state board exams and found employment in the last 3 years. Data from 2019 is still be collected as students may not complete state and national examinations until the following spring term.

American Board of Opticianry (ABO) Pass Rates

National Contact Lens Registry Examination (NCLE) Pass Rates

Virginia Board of Hearing Aids Specialists and Opticians Licensure Examination

Percentage of Students Employed in the of Vision Care Field upon Graduation

2016-100%

2017 -100%

2018 -100%

2019 -100%

2020 - 93%