Seattle Central Community College  

Gary Clayton, LDO, MLDO, ABOC, NCLC, HFOAA

Program Director of the School of Opticianry

NOTICE:  The School of Opticianry is proud to announce that Time Magazine had named Seattle Central Community College "College of the Year" in its September 3-10, 2001 issue.  Photos of The School of Opticianry were in the article and on the Time webpage.
 Way to go Gary!!!

This is a two-year program ( six or seven quarters, depending on the starting quarter) which provides an AAS degree in Ophthalmic Dispensing Technology and is accredited by the national Commission of Opticianry Accreditation program.  The ophthalmic dispenser or dispensing optician prepares, duplicates and dispenses lenses, spectacles, eyeglasses and/or appurtenances for intended wearers on a written prescription provided by physicians or optometrists, according to the Washington State Administrative Code and licensing guidelines.

Students must contact the Program Director for a pre-screening prior to enrollment.

Students are able to sit for a national certification, American Board of Opticianry Certification (ABOC) or National Contact Lens Certification (NCLC) at any time.   After  having successfully completed the program, the student is able to sit for the State of Washington Licensure Examination.  Upon passing this test, they will become a Licensed Dispensing Optician (LDO). 

LDO's work in the field of eye care and are employed by optical firms, optometrists, ophthalmologists, optical manufacturers (labs) and wholesalers.  They can also own their own dispensing establishments.

The current availability of Licensed Dispensing Opticians has not been able to meet the demands of the ever growing optical establishment.  In the State of Washington, a LDO is required for every 2 non-licensed employees to legally operate a business.  All non-licensed dispensing optical employees who work in the capacity of Opticianry  must be registered by the State of Washington Department of Health as a Registered  Apprentice.

If you are interested in the field of Opticianry or are interested in achieving a degree in Ophthalmic Dispensing, please contact the School of Opticianry for your interview and your first step in the wonderful, fulfilling world of Opticianry.

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