Optical Sciences Courses at Penn Foster Career School
Program Name:
Optician
| Introduction to Opticianry |
| Course Number |
ALH020 |
This course is designed to introduce you to the field of opticianry and to members of the eye care team. You will learn about the history of opticianry, the qualifications and responsibilities of Opticians and other eye care professionals, and the different organizations, regulations, and standards that affect Opticians. You will also learn about effective study methods and how to apply them to this program. |
| Optical Principles, Terminology, and Anatomy |
| Course Number |
ALH023 |
This course is designed to introduce you to basic optical principles and terminology, as well as the anatomy of the eye. You will learn about the properties of light; the characteristics of spectacle lenses used to correct vision; lens power, design, and prescriptions; common terminology used in the opticianry field; the different parts of the eye and their functions; and common disorders and diseases of the eye. You will also be introduced to the practicum requirements for the program. |
| Ophthalmic Dispensing 1 |
| Course Number |
ALH024 |
This course describes the basic skills and techniques required of an ophthalmic dispenser. You will learn how to interpret written prescriptions, take facial measurements, determine correct frame sizes, align and adjust frames, and perform minor repairs. (Required textbook provided with the course.) |
| Ophthalmic Dispensing 2 |
| Course Number |
ALH025 |
This course is designed to be a continuation of Ophthalmic Dispensing 1. Focus is on the theory of light, as well as lens power, design, materials, colors, safety, and edging. (Required textbook provided with the course.) |
| Professional Practice |
| Course Number |
ALH027 |
This course will help you prepare for employment as an optical dispenser and complete basic business tasks on the job. Focus is on professional appearance, confidentiality, professional organizations, continuing education, employment opportunities, interviewing techniques, record keeping, patient billing, frame board management, professional relationships, and customer service. (Certification exam preparation materials provided with the course.) |
| Interpersonal Communication |
| Course Number |
HUM106 |
Developing more effective personal communication skills to increase chances for professional success; increasing skill levels involving the use and selection of words, gestures, tone of voice, facial expressions, listening skills, as well as overall physical appearance. |
| Law and Ethics and Confidentiality in Allied Health |
| Course Number |
ALH022 |
The Law and Ethics section of this course covers how law affects medical offices; the origin of law that affects medical professionals; the process of litigation and its alternatives; contract law and the ways it affects health professionals; the duties created between health care professionals and patients once a doctor-patient relationship is established; criminal law and torts that are relevant to the health profession. The Confidentiality in Allied Health section examines the common-law basis for the confidentiality of health care information and the laws regulating health care information collected and maintained by government agencies. also covered is the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), as well as how the management of medical information affects the management and measurement of quality in health care. |
| Word and Excel |
| Course Number |
CSC102 |
Computer and Internet basics; computer hardware and software; digital electronics and file management; introduction to Windows®; PC applications in word processing, spreadsheets. |
| Business English |
| Course Number |
ENG010 |
This course provides instruction on the basic types of writing you’ll encounter in a business environment. You’ll learn about business letters, forms, client records, and memos; organization, grammar, punctuation, and sentence and paragraph construction; coherent paragraphs, well-organized documents, and purpose-focused materials; and accurate, attractive, and effective final copies. |
Program description: Learn how to fit and dispense eyeglasses and contact lenses with the Optician training program from Penn Foster Career School.
As an Optician, you'll help select and fit eyeglasses and contact lenses for people with eye problems following prescriptions written by optometrists and ophthalmologists. The Penn Foster Optician Program will help you develop the skills needed in this profession. Whether you work in an optical dispensary or laboratory, an optometrist's or ophthalmologist's office, a hospital or clinical setting, or a retail optical store, you'll have a career you can be proud of!
You'll receive training in:
* Math for Opticians
* Optical Principles, Terminology, and Anatomy
* Ophthalmic Dispensing
* Contact Lens Dispensing
* Professional Practice
And you'll learn it all at home — no classroom needed!