Program Overview

Optometric Technician - Online

Program Overview

The Madison College online Optometric Technician program is designed for individuals currently working in an eye care setting who wish to learn more and prepare for the national Paraoptometric Technician certification written examination. The program is a four-semester part-time program that can be completed entirely online, allowing students to maintain their full-time employment while taking courses.

Program Details

• Program Number:
• Degree: Technical Diploma
• Area of Study: Health Sciences
• Delivery Method: 100% Online
• Estimated Time to Complete: 27 Credits | Finish diploma in 1 year
• Financial Aid Available: Yes

Tuition and Fees

• Estimated Program Cost: $4,950.91
• View Tuition and Fees: Tuition and Fees
• Financial Aid: Applying for financial aid and scholarships can help you pay for your education.

Program Curriculum

Online First Semester

• Ocular Anatomy (2 credits)
• Ophthalmic Pre-Testing (3 credits)
• Human Relations - Optometric Technician Program (1 credit)

Online Second Semester

• Basic Optical Concepts (3 credits)
• Optical Dispensing 1 (3 credits)

Online Third Semester

• Optical Dispensing 2 (2 credits)
• Ophthalmic Specialty Testing (3 credits)
• Preclinic A (1 credit)

Online Fourth Semester

• Contact Lenses (3 credits)
• Patient Relations/Pract Manage (2 credits)
• Preclinic B (1 credit)

Admission

To Apply

• Application Dates:
  • Fall 2025: Application open, deadline August 31, 2025
  • Spring 2026: Application open, deadline January 15, 2026
• Admission Requirements:
  • Admissions Application
  • Current Employment: Applicants must be employed by an eye care clinic, and the Optometric Technician Mentor Form is required to verify employment.

Career Outcomes

• Program Mission: To prepare certification-eligible technicians to work as members of the eye care team under the supervision of optometrists, ophthalmologists, and other health care providers.
• Program Goals:
  • Provide relevant instruction to an optimal number of students each year in eye, vision, optical concepts, pre-testing procedures, specialty testing procedures, contact lenses, optical dispensing, and practice management.
  • Prepare students as life-long learners and problem-solvers who can respond to a continually changing eye care profession.
  • Utilize technology to deliver the program content to enhance the classroom experience for the students.
  • Utilize technology to deliver program content to people already employed in an eye care setting.
  • Maintain program accreditation with the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education.

Accreditation

• The Madison College Optometric Technician online program is accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE).