Vision Care Technology
Prepare for a Clear Future in Eye Care
At Clara Barton High School for Health Professions, our Vision Care Technology (VCT) program provides students with the specialized knowledge and clinical skills needed to begin a rewarding career in the ophthalmic industry. Fully accredited by the New York State Education Department (NYSED), this Career and Technical Education (CTE) programprepares students for entry-level employment in positions such as optical sales associate, ophthalmic medical assistant, optical laboratory technician, apprentice optician, and certified optician.
Upon successful completion of the program, students are eligible and well-prepared to take the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) Basic Examination and to earn their CTE endorsement, setting them on a professional pathway toward becoming a licensed Ophthalmic Dispenser (Optician) in New York State.
What Opticians Do
Opticians play a vital role in helping people see the world more clearly. They don’t just “fit glasses”. They are independent healthcare professionals who combine science, precision, and patient care to deliver quality vision solutions.
In this program, you’ll gain the skills to:
- Assist optometrists and ophthalmologists with pre-testing and patient preparation
- Perform measurements and fittings for prescription eyewear and contact lenses
- Fabricate and verify eyewear in an optical laboratory setting — learning how lenses are edged, mounted, and finished
- Adjust, repair, and align frames for proper fit, comfort, and visual accuracy
- Guide patients in contact lens insertion, removal, and care
- Help patients choose frames and lenses based on prescription needs, lifestyle, and fashion preferences
- Maintain optical tools, instruments, and patient records
- Provide exceptional service and professionalism in both clinical and retail optical settings
What You'll Learn
The Vision Care Technology program offers a strong academic and clinical foundation modeled after college-level Ophthalmic Dispensing programs, such as the A.A.S. program at CUNY New York City College of Technology. Over the course of this program, students learn to:
- Understand eye anatomy and physiology, refractive errors, and optical principles
- Interpret and verify prescriptions for eyeglasses and contact lenses
- Measure pupillary distance, segment height, vertex distance, pantoscopic tilt, and base curve
- Analyze optical materials, coatings, and lens designs (single vision, bifocal, progressive)
- Operate key instruments, including the lensometer, autolensmeter, and edger, to verify and fabricate eyewear
- Perform adjustments and repairs using professional optical tools and techniques
- Assist with pre-testing procedures in optometric or ophthalmologic settings
- Practice workplace professionalism, infection control, HIPAA compliance, and OSHA/ANSI safety standards
- Prepare for the ABO Basic Examination and understand the New York State licensure pathway for ophthalmic dispensing
Career Preparation & Pathways
Graduates of the VCT program are prepared for immediate employment as apprentice opticians, optical sales associates, or ophthalmic medical assistants in optical shops, optometric practices, and ophthalmology clinics across the nation. Many also pursue careers in optical laboratory fabrication, contact lens dispensing, or ophthalmic assisting.
Through our articulation agreement with CUNY New York City College of Technology, students can continue their education toward an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Ophthalmic Dispensing, a key step toward New York State licensure. Licensed Opticians enjoy strong earning potential, job stability, and the fulfillment of improving lives through vision care, a field where science, technology, and human connection meet every day.
Why This Program Is Right for You
The Vision Care Technology Program at Clara Barton High School equips you with the hands-on experience, technical expertise, and professional confidence to excel in a growing healthcare field that’s anything but ordinary.
Being an optician is exciting, creative, and fast-paced — it’s the perfect career for students who love healthcare, fashion, technology, and entrepreneurship. As an optician, you can blend medical knowledge with design and style to help people look and feel their best. Many licensed opticians go on to open their own optical stores or eye care clinics, collaborate with major fashion brands, or even work as traveling opticians, bringing their skills and style around the world.
In as little as two years, you can begin earning above the national average salary, working in a profession that’s both respected and in high demand. Every day is different — from working with advanced optical technology to helping someone see clearly for the first time — and you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing you’re changing lives one pair of lenses at a time.
If you’re looking for a career that combines science, creativity, and purpose, the Vision Care Technology program will open your eyes to a world of opportunities, where healthcare meets innovation, and your passion for people and precision can truly shine.