The Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology, in keeping with its mission to educate students in technology that will allow them to build careers that are fulfilling both financially and professionally, is very excited to offer a two-year associate degree
program in Opticianry.

The Opticianry program is fully supported by the Opticians Association of Massachusetts. It is nationally recognized and the only program of its kind in Massachusetts, and one of only two in all of New England.

The Opticianry program serves as the educational gateway for students of all ages, including adult learners and apprentice opticians. With a vibrant optical industry and continued need for qualified eyecare professionals, there exists a tremendous opportunity for technically skilled and highly knowledgeable opticians.

The optical industry is experiencing tremendous growth, as well as expanded regulations and increasing requirements for becoming a licensed optician in Massachusetts. The curriculum is designed to prepare the graduate to meet both the requirements for MA Licensing, including national and local certification exams and practical tests, as well as for entry into the profession of opticianry itself. Upon graduation, the student will be well versed and knowledgeable in all facets of opticianry, including spectacle design, fitting and dispensing, contact lens design and fitting, prescription and non-prescription fabrication and manufacturing, and special application optics.

The optical profession itself offers great diversity and versatility. Graduates will be able to work in many different environments ranging from HMO/medical offices to retail/ high fashion optical boutiques, corporate and chain optical conglomerates to
independent ownership. Graduates will be well versed in all aspects of optics as it relates to opticianry. Graduates will be qualified for positions involving spectacle design and dispensing, contact lens design and dispensing, optical laboratory finishing and management, optical business management or independent ownership. Salary levels may range between $30,000 to $40,000 for entry level staff licensed opticians, and higher for manager optician positions and ownership. Many graduates of the opticianry program seek advanced degrees and/or certification related to business, management, ophthalmic technology and health care management.

Curriculum
The two-year curriculum is comprehensive in design and has been modeled after opticianry accredited programs from across the country. The curriculum is periodically reviewed nationally by the Commission on Opticianry Accreditation (COA) and the National Federation of Opticianry Schools (NFOS).

Facilities
The college facilities include a “state-of-the-art” spectacle finishing lab, a contact lens clinic and prototype optical shop for students and faculty. The finishing lab serves students and their individual work projects involving spectacle finishing, as well as being capable of conversion to a simulated high capacity wholesale plant.

The contact lens clinic and optical shop serve as model “working environment classrooms.” Both clinics may be operated in part by students and are designed to provide optical services to students, faculty and special outreach projects.

Program Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Associate Degree in Opticianry, the graduate will be able to:

• Analyze ophthalmic prescriptions and interpret the prescription into an appropriate design for spectacles and/or contact lenses.

• Measure and record pertinent patient information, using appropriate optical instrumentation.

• Record and communicate with patients by taking a case history and general discussion regarding their eye care concerns and preferences.

• Demonstrate a high level of performance and comprehension and application for all optical concepts through thorough testing and practical examinations.

• Demonstrate a commitment to professionalism and be measured as to their adherence to the program’s academic integrity policy and the program’s professional code
  of conduct.

Faculty
Blair Wong, Chair
Instructor Staff: George Bourque, Steven Feldman, Jonathan Parrelli, Cathy Perlmutter