Opticianry and Ophthalmic Dispensing: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Opticianry and Ophthalmic Dispensing is a specialized field focused on the precise adaptation, fitting, and selection of corrective eyewear based on professional prescriptions. This program equips learners with the technical and clinical expertise needed to support eye care professionals and deliver personalized vision solutions to patients.
- Geometrical optics: The study of light behavior and image formation, essential for understanding how lenses manipulate visual perception.
- Ophthalmic optics: Applied principles of lens design and performance to correct refractive errors like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.
- Anatomy of the eye: In-depth knowledge of ocular structures and their functional relationships to inform safe and effective eyewear application.
- Optical instrumentation: Mastery of tools and devices used to measure visual acuity, refractive errors, and lens parameters with precision.
- Prescription interpretation: The ability to decode and analyze optometric and ophthalmic prescriptions for accurate lens fabrication and fitting.
- Contact lens adaptation and fitting: Techniques for assessing suitability, selecting appropriate lens types, and ensuring optimal comfort and vision correction.
- Facial and eye measuring: Methods for taking precise measurements of facial features and ocular alignment to ensure proper eyewear fit and alignment.
- Prosthesis fitting: Specialized skills in fitting ocular prosthetics for patients following injury or medical conditions affecting the eye.
- Pathology identification: Recognition of common ocular abnormalities and conditions that may impact eyewear selection or necessitate referral to a physician.
- Use and maintenance of adjustment and cleaning tools: Hands-on training in maintaining and operating instruments critical to lens adjustment and hygiene.
- Record-keeping and administrative tasks: Proficiency in managing patient data, documenting fittings, and handling operational aspects of optical practices.
Opticianry and Ophthalmic Dispensing Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Opticianry and Ophthalmic Dispensing Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Opticianry and Ophthalmic Dispensing degrees, including Opticians, Dispensing. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 79,690 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Opticians, Dispensing 29-2081 | $46,560 | $34,470 - $73,240 | 79,690 | $22.38 |
Opticianry and Ophthalmic Dispensing Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $34,910 in Louisiana to $66,250 in New Jersey—a 90% difference. The highest-paying states include New Jersey, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 79,690 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Opticianry and Ophthalmic Dispensing by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 25 institutions offering Opticianry and Ophthalmic Dispensing programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Opticianry and Ophthalmic Dispensing is found at College of Southern Nevada (CSN) (50 graduates), Hillsborough Community College (HCC) (42 graduates), American Career College (ACC), Los Angeles (28 graduates), American Career College (ACC), Ontario (25 graduates), and Essex County College (ECC) (20 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 352 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| College of Southern Nevada (CSN) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
50 | Las Vegas, Nevada | Public | csn.edu |
| Hillsborough Community College (HCC) |
Associate's
|
42 | Tampa, Florida | Public | hccfl.edu |
| American Career College (ACC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
28 | Los Angeles, California | Private | americancareercollege.edu |
| American Career College (ACC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
25 | Ontario, California | Private | americancareercollege.edu |
| Essex County College (ECC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
20 | Newark, New Jersey | Public | essex.edu |
| CUNY New York City College of Technology (NYCCT) |
Associate's
|
20 | Brooklyn, New York | Public | citytech.cuny.edu |
| Camden County College (CCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
14 | Blackwood, New Jersey | Public | camdencc.edu |
| Roane State Community College |
Associate's
|
14 | Harriman, Tennessee | Public | roanestate.edu |
| J Sargeant Reynolds Community College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
14 | Richmond, Virginia | Public | reynolds.edu |
| Broward College (BC) |
Associate's
|
13 | Fort Lauderdale, Florida | Public | broward.edu |
| Durham Technical Community College (Durham Tech) |
Associate's
|
13 | Durham, North Carolina | Public | durhamtech.edu |
| Georgia Piedmont Technical College (GPTC) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
|
12 | Clarkston, Georgia | Public | gptc.edu |
| Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology |
Associate's
|
11 | Boston, Massachusetts | Private | bfit.edu |
| Connecticut State Community College (CT State) |
Associate's
|
10 | Hartford, Connecticut | Public | ctstate.edu |
| Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
10 | Indianapolis, Indiana | Public | ivytech.edu |
| Ogeechee Technical College (OTC) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
|
10 | Statesboro, Georgia | Public | ogeecheetech.edu |
| Miami Dade College (MDC) |
Associate's
|
9 | Miami, Florida | Public | mdc.edu |
| Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) |
Associate's
|
9 | Branchburg, New Jersey | Public | raritanval.edu |
| Erie Community College (SUNY Erie) |
Associate's
|
7 | Buffalo, New York | Public | ecc.edu |
| Cuyahoga Community College District (Tri-C) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
7 | Cleveland, Ohio | Public | tri-c.edu |
| Wiregrass Georgia Technical College |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
|
4 | Valdosta, Georgia | Public | wiregrass.edu |
| East Mississippi Community College (EMCC) |
Associate's
|
3 | Scooba, Mississippi | Public | eastms.edu |
| Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute (SIPI) |
Associate's
|
3 | Albuquerque, New Mexico | Public | sipi.edu |
| Daytona State College (DSC) |
Associate's
|
2 | Daytona Beach, Florida | Public | daytonastate.edu |
| Elgin Community College (ECC) |
Associate's
|
2 | Elgin, Illinois | Public | elgin.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Opticianry and Ophthalmic Dispensing programs
How much can I earn with a Opticianry and Ophthalmic Dispensing degree?
Salaries for Opticianry and Ophthalmic Dispensing graduates vary by role and location. Opticians, Dispensing earn a median of $46,560 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in New Jersey average $66,250 compared to $34,910 in Louisiana. Approximately 79,690 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Opticianry and Ophthalmic Dispensing programs?
Currently 25 accredited institutions offer Opticianry and Ophthalmic Dispensing degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include College of Southern Nevada (CSN) (50 graduates), Hillsborough Community College (HCC) (42 graduates), and American Career College (ACC), Los Angeles (28 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Opticianry and Ophthalmic Dispensing growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 724 in 2010 to a peak of 501 in 2020, before declining slightly to 352 in 2023-24. This represents a 51% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Opticianry and Ophthalmic Dispensing degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Opticians, Dispensing. Related occupations employ approximately 79,690 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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