<h2 id="section---FrequentlyAskedQuestions">Frequently Asked Questions</h2> <h3 id="section---WhatKindOfProgramIsIt">What Kind of Program Is It?</h3> <p>The Optician Career Diploma at Penn Foster is an online program designed to train you how to assist optometrists with getting patients ready for eye exams, glasses and contact fittings, and prepping exam equipment. The curriculum covers several topics, including contact lens dispensing, ophthalmic dispensing, and general professional practices. Through demonstrative coursework and training videos, you'll have the opportunity to learn things like visual anatomy and terminology, read and interpret eye prescriptions, and recognize common eye ailments and diseases. By the end of the program, you could be eligible to sit for several industry certification exams, such as the National Opticianry Competency Examination (NOCE). </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreThePrerequisites">What Are the Prerequisites?</h3> <p>You'll need to be at least 17 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent to enroll in the optician program. Since the program is online, you'll need access to a computer and high-speed internet. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreTheCourseRequirements">What Are the Course Requirements?</h3> <p>There are 7 courses and 18 exams in the optician program. You'll be able to earn about 30 Continuing Education Units (CEUs). While the program is self-paced, the courses have a combined total of 305 hours of instruction time, and it can take 8 to 12 months to complete. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th>Course Code</th><th>Course Title</th></tr> <tr><td>SYP110</td><td>Starting Your Program</td></tr> <tr><td>ALH020</td><td>Introduction to Opticianry</td></tr> <tr><td>ALH040</td><td>Optical Fundamentals</td></tr> <tr><td>ALH024</td><td>Ophtalmic Dispensing 1</td></tr> <tr><td>ALH025</td><td>Ophtalmic Dispensing 2</td></tr> <tr><td>ALH026</td><td>Contact Lens Dispensing</td></tr> <tr><td>ALH030</td><td>Professional Practice and Certification Review</td></tr> </table><h3 id="section---WhatCouldIDoAfterIGraduate">What Could I Do After I Graduate?</h3> <h4 id="section---CareerOpportunities">Career Opportunities</h4> <p>Upon graduation, you could pursue work as an optician. Opticians aren't to be confused with ophthalmic laboratory technicians; those professionals make lenses, frames, and equipment, while opticians work with customers. Opticians work with optometrists and ophthalmologists in offices that double as retail establishments where clients have their eyes examined and then purchase glasses or contacts. An optician works closely with customers to help them choose what types of lenses, frames, and contacts they want. Typical duties may include measuring customers' eyes and faces for fittings, filling in prescription orders, educating customers about their eyewear, and repairing or replacing broken frames.</p>