
OPTOMETRIC ASSISTING
NEXT CLASS BEGINS August 2021 (Click here for more information)
If you have ever considered a career that makes a difference in the lives of others, a career as a vital member of the optometry field will offer many rewards. The increased demand for those needing glasses and contact lenses has resulted in numerous employment opportunities in vision care.
Through our program, students will learn the skills necessary to assist eye care specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of vision deficiencies and develop a thorough understanding of the equipment, materials and procedures used in the field. Students will participate in McFatter’s onsite vision clinic, as well as an off-campus clinical rotation during the program.
Course Number |
Course Title |
Length |
OPT0720 |
Foundations of Vision Care |
102 hours |
OPT0721 |
Optometric Assistant 1 |
336 hours |
OPT0722 |
Optometric Assistant 2 |
642 hours |
Program Hours and Schedule
1080 hours ǀ 10 months ǀ Hybrid*
Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 2:30pm
Enrollment: August
*Students enrolled in distance and/or hybrid programs must have daily access to a computer with internet and a valid email address that they check daily. Additionally, students must have all necessary hardware and software components required by their program.
Certification
Certified Paraoptometric Assistant (CPOA)
Employment Opportunities
Optometric Assistant ǀ Ophthalmic Assistant ǀ Optical Sales ǀ Optical Laboratory Technician
College Credit
Graduates may be awarded credits towards an Associate of Science Degree or Associate of Applied Science Degree at select Florida state colleges. Please click here for additional details.
Program Costs:
Florida Resident Tuition | $3,024.00 |
Out of State Tuition | $12,096.00 |
Registration, Activity, Lab, Test, Insurance, and Trust Fees | $392.00 |
Books / Supplies | $467.00 |
Industry Certification & State Credential Exam Costs | $300.00 |
Florida Resident Total Cost | $4,183.00 |
Out of State Total Cost | $13,255.00 |
Prices are subject to change without notice.
Financial assistance is available to those who qualify. Please visit https://studentaid.gov/ to apply.
Admissions Requirements
- Schedule a basic skills assessment ($15) or provide official documentation of a basic skills exemption to your program counselor/advisor.
- Schedule an appointment with your program counselor/advisor for basic skills assessment results and/or a program specific orientation.
- Applicants must complete a physical exam and immunization record. Please note, additional fees associated with medical screenings are non-refundable.
- Register for classes during open enrollment. Program registration runs on a first come, first served basis.
Program Counselor/Advisor
Meghan Emerson, Certified School Counselor
For additional information, please contact the Office of Admissions at (754) 321-5700.