OPH 101  Math for Opticians

This course covers the arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry necessary to evaluate optical formulas. Topics include signed arithmetic, evaluation and solution of equations, use of the calculator, and basic trigonometric functions. Upon completion, students should be able to evaluate formulas as used in opticianry courses. This course is intended for a diploma program.

Course Hours Per Week: Class, 3; Lab, 0; Clinical, 0

Semester Hours Credit: 3

Prerequisite: MAT 070 or DMA 010, 020, 030, 040, 050, or satisfactory score on placement test and Enrollment in the Optical Apprentice Certificate program

Corequisite: None

OPH 102  Ophthalmic Lab Concepts

This course introduces the operations of the ophthalmic laboratory. Emphasis is on surfacing and finishing formulas; materials, procedures, and equipment used to fabricate glasses; and ANSI, EPA, and OSHA requirements. Upon completion, students should be able to perform laboratory-related calculations, describe safety and environmental regulations, and identify materials and procedures used in ophthalmic laboratories.

Course Hours Per Week: Class, 2; Lab, 0; Clinical, 0

Semester Hours Credit: 2

Prerequisite: OPH 141 and enrollment in the Optical Apprentice Certificate program

Corequisite: None

OPH 111  Ophthalmic Lab I

This course introduces optical laboratory practices and procedures. Emphasis is on safety, OSHA and EPA requirements, equipment and instrumentation, and lens fabrication to ANSI standards. Upon completion, students should be able to duplicate lenses, use basic formulas, and identify materials and procedures used to safely fabricate prescription lenses to specifications.

Course Hours Per Week: Class, 2; Lab, 3; Clinical, 0

Semester Hours Credit: 3

Prerequisite: OPH 141 and enrollment in the Opticianry program

Corequisite: None

OPH 112  Ophthalmic Lab II

This course continues the study of optical laboratory procedures introduced in OPH 111. Emphasis is on prescription interpretation, focimetry, and finishing techniques. Upon completion, students should be able to duplicate lenses, use intermediate formulas, and identify materials and procedures used to safely fabricate prescription eyewear to specifications.

Course Hours Per Week: Class, 2; Lab, 3; Clinical, 0

Semester Hours Credit: 3

Prerequisite: OPH 111

Corequisite: None

OPH 121  Anatomy and Physiology - Eye

This course covers the anatomical and physiological functions of the eye and its associated structures. Emphasis is on normal vision and common disorders of the visual system. Upon completion, students should be able to describe the visual process as well as label and describe the function of each part of the eye.

Course Hours Per Week: Class, 3; Lab, 0; Clinical, 0

Semester Hours Credit: 3

Prerequisite: ENG 090 and RED 090 or DRE 098; or satisfactory score on placement test and Enrollment in the Opticianry or Optical Apprentice Certificate programs

Corequisite: None

OPH 131  Optical Dispensing I

This course introduces the historical and modern dispensing practices and the laws governing opticianry. Topics include basic eyeglass choices, measurements, dispensing, adjustments, and record keeping. Upon completion, students should be able to evaluate patient needs and wearing success.

Course Hours Per Week: Class, 3; Lab, 0; Clinical, 0

Semester Hours Credit: 3

Prerequisite: Enrollment in Opticianry or Optical Apprentice Certificate program; MAT 070 or satisfactory score on placement test; ENG 090 and RED 090 or DRE 098; or satisfactory score on placement test

Corequisites: None

OPH 132  Optical Dispensing II

This course continues the study of optical dispensing begun in OPH 131. Emphasis is on advanced dispensing skills. Upon completion, students should be able to design and dispense appropriate eyewear for a variety of patients.

Course Hours Per Week: Class, 3; Lab, 2; Clinical, 0

Semester Hours Credit: 4

Prerequisites: OPH 131 and OPH 141

Corequisite: None

OPH 141  Optical Theory I

This course introduces the principles of optics and ophthalmic lens design. Topics include basic theory and basic optical formulas. Upon completion, students should be able to use the metric system, define basic optical terms, and perform basic optical calculations.

Course Hours Per Week: Class, 3; Lab, 0; Clinical, 0

Semester Hours Credit: 3

Prerequisite:  Enrollment in the Opticianry, or Optical Apprentice Certificate programs, MAT 070 or satisfactory score on placement test or OPH 101

Corequisite: MAT 121

OPH 142  Optical Theory II

This course continues the study of optical theory begun in OPH 141. Topics include intermediate and advanced theory and formulas. Upon completion, students should be able to perform intermediate and advanced optical calculations.

Course Hours Per Week: Class, 3; Lab, 0; Clinical, 0

Semester Hours Credit: 3

Prerequisite: OPH 141

Corequisite: None

OPH 215  Laboratory Proficiency

This course provides preparation for the N.C. State Board of Opticians Examination. Emphasis is on speed and accuracy in all items on the competence list. Upon completion, students should be able to safely and accurately demonstrate proficiency in all items on the laboratory competence list.

Course Hours Per Week: Class, 0; Lab, 6; Clinical, 0

Semester Hours Credit: 2

Prerequisites: Final semester of the program

Corequisite: OPH 243 and OPH 262

OPH 222  Optical Business Management

This course covers basic optical business management and current eyecare trends and practices. Topics include professional ethics, inventory, accounting, personnel, insurance, advertising, litigation, equipment, and future trends. Upon completion, students should be able to apply basic principles of management to the optical business setting.

Course Hours Per Week: Class, 3; Lab, 0; Clinical, 0

Semester Hours Credit: 3

Prerequisite: OPH 132 and enrollment in the Opticianry Program

Corequisite: None

OPH 233  Advanced Optical Procedures

This course introduces special optical procedures. Topics include advanced optical assessments and calculations. Upon completion, students should be able to describe appropriate patient care.

Course Hours Per Week: Class, 3; Lab, 2; Clinical, 0

Semester Hours Credit: 4

Prerequisites: OPH 131, OPH 132,  OPH 141, and OPH 142

Corequisite: None.

OPH 243  Technical Proficiency

The course provides preparation for the N.C. State Board of Opticians Examination. Emphasis is on topics relevant to written portions of this examination. Upon completion, students should be able to pass each part of a capstone examination with a grade of 77 or better.

Course Hours Per Week: Class, 3; Lab, 0; Clinical, 0

Semester Hours Credit: 3

Prerequisites: Final semester of the program, and OPH 142, OPH 233.

Corequisites: OPH 215 and OPH 262.

OPH 251  Optical Internship I

This course provides practical experience under the direct supervision of an opticianry instructor. Emphasis is on communication and dispensing skills. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate competence in all course objectives.

Course Hours Per Week: Class, 0; Lab, 0; Clinical, 3

Semester Hours Credit: 1

Prerequisites: OPH 132, OPH 141, and OPH 142

Corequisite: None.

OPH 260  Basic Contact Lens Concepts

This course introduces the theory of contact lens fitting. Emphasis is on rigid and soft contact design and fitting concepts. Upon completion, students should be able to describe basic contact lens fitting concepts.

Course Hours Per Week: Class, 3; Lab, 3; Clinical, 0

Semester Hours Credit: 4

Prerequisites: OPH 121 and OPH 141

Corequisite: None.

OPH 261  Contact Lenses I

This course introduces contact lens fitting. Emphasis is on clinical applications, patient selection, design parameters, instrumentation, and corneal physiology. Upon completion, students should be able to describe basic patient evaluation and fitting procedures for rigid and soft lenses, recognize problems, and determine effective and appropriate solutions.

Course Hours Per Week: Class, 3; Lab, 3; Clinical, 0

Semester Hours Credit: 4

Prerequisites: OPH 121 and OPH 142

Corequisite: None

OPH 262  Contact Lenses II

This course continues the study of contact lens fitting. Emphasis is on advanced fitting design and techniques. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate the competence required for the National Contact Lens Examination and the N.C. State Board of Opticians Examination.

Course Hours Per Week: Class, 3; Lab, 3; Clinical, 0

Semester Hours Credit: 4

Prerequisite: OPH 261

Corequisite: OPH 215 and OPH 243

OPH 282  Optical Externship I

This course provides practical experience in assigned businesses, with emphasis on observation and practical application. Emphasis is on working conditions in different production settings and on time demands. Upon completion, students should be able to complete eyewear in a safe and timely manner to proper specifications and in collaboration with other employees.

Course Hours Per Week: Class, 0; Lab, 0; Clinical, 6

Semester Hours Credit: 2

Prerequisites: OPH 112 and OPH 142 and OPH 233

Corequisites: None