Vision Care Technology
As a Vision Care Technology student at City Tech, you will benefit from:
- A friendly and professional atmosphere
- Individual attention to your academic and professional growth
- State-of-the-Art, well-equipped ophthalmic laboratories and clinical facilities that duplicate on-the-job professional settings
- Hands-on experience for practical professional skills
The Department of Vision Care Technology has a nationally renowned faculty with individual expertise in ophthalmic dispensing and materials, theoretical optics, sports vision, refractometry, contact lens fitting, and business. The faculty works closely with the professional community to provide state-of-the-art technical skills in vision care technology.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Vision Care Technology Department is to provide the student with the academic, technical and clinical skills in the area of licensed opticianry that will allow the student to become a productive and contributing member of society and the ophthalmic profession.
Vision Care Technology Program Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the Vision Care Technology program can:
- Possess the academic, technical and clinical skills to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of a licensed eyecare professional/ophthalmic dispenser (optician)
- Function well in a variety of eyecare work environments
- Communicate clearly in written and oral presentation
- Understand the ethical responsibilities and implications of one’s work and personal actions
- Apply problem-solving techniques to the workplace
- Gain a broad educational background to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public
Admission
Admission into the college and into the Department of Vision Care Technology requires a high school diploma or the equivalent. Students who have attended other colleges are welcome to apply as transfer students. The ophthalmic dispensing program has two phases: pre-clinical and clinical. Those admitted to the program are classified as pre-clinical until they have met the criteria for enrolling in clinical courses. CUNY certification in mathematics is required. Applications to all campuses of the City University of New York are done on-line at http://web.cuny.edu/admissions/undergraduate/onlineapp-1.html or by clicking the “Apply to CUNY” link found at www.cuny.edu. The process is fast and easy. For more information or pre-admission counseling, call admissions 718.260.5500 or the Vision Care Technology Department at 718.260.5298 and speak directly to a faculty member.
Students who wish to transfer into the Department of Vision Care Technology from other curricula within the college will be accepted into the department as pre-clinical students. Students will then proceed to meet the prerequisite requirements for the clinical phase of the program.
Progress from Pre-Clinical Vision Care Technology to Vision Care Technology
After earning CUNY certification in mathematics, students may be admitted to the clinical phase of the ophthalmic dispensing program. Please note that pre-clinical studies must be completed in a maximum of four semesters after admission to the program.
Progression in and graduation from the Department of Vision Care Technology
A minimum grade of “C” in each course designated with the prefix VCT will be required for progression in and graduation from the Vision Care Technology program. Special conditions of equipment and faculty availability govern the repeating of vision care technology courses; course repetition will be permitted only on the basis of seats available, after all students meeting the entrance requirements have been allotted seats.
- No vision care technology course may be repeated more than once. In addition, no more than two vision care technology courses may be repeated during the entire course of study.
- A student may not fail more than one course in any one semester.
If a student fails to meet any of these provisions, he/she will be required to withdraw from the Vision Care Technology Department. - Additional information is available in the Vision Care Technology Student Handbook.
