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There are many specialty areas and levels of certification possible for a vision care technician. Tyler Junior College Vision Care Technology prepares each student to take and pass state and national entry-level certification examinations.

The American Board of Opticianry (ABO) certifies dispensing opticians and optical laboratory technicians. Many states require this certification in order for an individual to practice as an optician. Some states conduct their own certification examination process. This certification will show that the optician has demonstrated the knowledge necessary to fit and dispense eyeglasses.

The National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) certifies contact lens technicians. This certification will show that the technician has demonstrated the knowledge necessary to fit and dispense contact lenses.

The National Paraoptometric Registry, established by the American Optometric Association Paraoptometric Section, certifies optometric technicians. The registry recognizes through examination individual levels of skill, knowledge and achievement by optometric assistants and technicians.

The Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCHAPO) certifies ophthalmic medical personnel. JCHAPO serves to enhance the quality and availability of ophthalmic patient care by providing certification and continuing education and by supporting the utilization of allied health personnel. Ophthalmic medical personnel may become certified at three levels. The Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) is the basic level of certification. The intermediate level is the Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT). The most advanced level of ophthalmic medical personnel certification is the Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT). Ophthalmic medical personnel may also become certified in two subspecialty areas: Assisting in Low Vision and Ophthalmic Surgical Assisting.

Vision Care Technology

Tyler Junior College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097: Telephone number 404-679-4501) and is recognized as one of the leading two-year institutions in America.

One of the oldest junior colleges in Texas, the College was established in 1926 with a mission of providing the finest academic education for freshmen and sophomore students. Tyler Junior College remains committed to that goal while also recognizing the changing role of community colleges and the need to provide quality training for technical fields.

Tyler, population about 75,000, is the seat of Smith County and is located approximately 100 miles east of Dallas. The College District serves a population of approximately 150,000 and includes 830 square miles of territory in six public school districts located in two counties.

Tyler Junior College is a public comprehensive community college with an outstanding record of academic quality offering 45 associate degree options and 35 certificate options. The Tyler Junior College Vision Care Technology program offers both a one-year certificate and a two-year associate degree plan. The College serves approximately 8,000 students enrolling for credit in academic and vocational programs and 15,000 students in its continuing education program.

Along with its superb academic programs, Tyler Junior College boasts a 75-acre, tree lined campus, a vibrant student life, eight residence halls, nationally ranked men's and women's intercollegiate athletic programs, and a broad array of student organizations. For the business community, TJC's Regional Training and Development Complex provides specialized training according to the needs of business, industry and governmental agencies.

Tyler Junior College welcomes the application of any qualified student and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability or veteran status.

At Tyler Junior College, we offer the Vision Care Technology program that teaches students the skills necessary to perform all of the above procedures. It is a one-year TASP waived certificate program with an optional second year associate degree plan. Upon successful completion of the first year curriculum, the student will receive a Certificate of Proficiency in Vision Care Technology. If the student then wishes to receive a two-year degree they may take an additional 31 hours of general education and technical support courses and upon successful completion will receive an Associate in Applied Science degree in Vision Care Technology.

Some vision care technicians develop their skills through many years of on-the-job training. However, the most comprehensive training program in the shortest time is acquired through special programs offered by vocational schools or community colleges such as Tyler Junior College. Some students receive training through cooperative training classes in high school. A small number of opticians and technicians learn their trades in the armed forces.

Tyler Junior College has accumulated more than 25 years of excellence in vision care education. In response to the needs of the vision care profession, Tyler Junior College developed this program to specifically prepare students for immediate employment in the field. Portions of this curriculum will involve on-site internships at participating vision care practices and hands-on training in the schools state of the art optical laboratory and clinic. The curriculum for Vision Care Technology represents a carefully planned balance of theory and practice in all aspects of the profession.