BECOME A STUDENTENROLL IN CLASSES

 

Choose from two career pathways

Both programs include hands-on training that prepares students for entry-level employment and industry certification.

 

 

208 - 234 Hours Harbor View

Complete two courses:

  • HLTH 614 Optical Technician I
  • HLTH 615 Optical Technician II

The Optical Technician program trains participants for entry-level jobs in the optical field as Optical Technicians or Dispensing Opticians for spectacles and contact lens. Spectacle lenses, worn in eyeglasses, and contact lenses, placed directly on the eye, help correct vision. Students learn to interpret prescriptions, select and fit lenses, and perform optical calculations. The program covers eye anatomy, refractive errors, optical theory, and professional standards, including HIPAA regulations and ANSI guidelines. Hands-on training includes using a lensometer, adjusting frames, verifying contact lenses, performing keratometry readings, and conducting slit lamp exams. Participants also develop customer service and business skills for working in optical settings such as optometry offices, optical labs, retail stores, and ophthalmology clinics. Graduates are prepared to take the National Opticianry Competency Exam (NOCE) and the Contact Lens Registry Exam (CLRE), leading to certification as a Licensed Optician and Registered Contact Lens Dispenser.

Become a Student Enroll in Classes

Optical Technician Class Schedule

Class Class Number Status Room Type Hours per Week Dates Instructor Class Meetings Textbooks, Materials Fees Class Notes Class Description College Credit version

208 - 234 Hours Harbor View

Complete two courses:

  • HLTH 616 Ophthalmic Assistant I
  • HLTH 617 Ophthalmic Assistant II

The Ophthalmic Assistant program trains participants for entry-level jobs supporting eye care professionals in ophthalmology clinics, hospitals, and private practices. Students learn to perform basic eye examinations, operate specialized ophthalmic equipment, and assist with diagnostic procedures. The curriculum covers essential skills including visual acuity testing, eye pressure measurement, patient triage, and medical documentation. Participants develop expertise in diagnostic technology operation, patient intake and communication, pre- and post-operative patient care, medical ethics and confidentiality, infection control protocols, and clinical administrative tasks. Through hands-on training, students gain proficiency in using advanced medical technologies and supporting ophthalmologists during examinations and procedures. The program prepares participants to take the Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) exam, positioning graduates for successful careers in eye healthcare.

Become a Student Enroll in Classes

Ophthalmic Assistant Class Schedule

Class Class Number Status Room Type Hours per Week Dates Instructor Class Meetings Textbooks, Materials Fees Class Notes Class Description College Credit version

 

Why Eye Care Career Training?

High Demand

Healthcare careers continue to grow as the population ages.

Free Classes

No tuition for eligible students.

Hands-On Learning

Practice with the professional equipment.

Career Ready

Prepare for certification exams and employment.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Use this link to complete your CCCApply Noncredit Application at SDCCE
  2. Please contact SDCCE’s Admissions & Records or visit a Welcome Center online or a campus near you for next steps
Enroll
  1. Visit mySDCCD and login to your account
  2. Select Student Quicklinks
  3. Select CE Enroll and select the term (fall, spring, or summer)
  4. Click OK
  5. Answer the questionnaire (must answer all questions)
  6. Click OK
  7. Type in the Class Nbr
  8. Click Enter
  9. Enter Permission Number if required (note that permission numbers are not required for all classes)
  10. Click Proceed to Step 2 of 3
  11. Click Finish Enrolling
Your student ID is included the welcome letter that was sent to the e-mail you entered on the application. If you cannot find the e-mail, please submit a request using this link, include your photo ID, and the information will be provided.

After you receive a welcome e-mail with your 10 digit student ID, visit this page to create an account.

This link has more details and instructions to help you.

If you have a hold (service indicator) on your record, you will not be able to register for class through the student portal. Please submit a request using this link for help to enroll.

You can reset your password at https://sdpss.sdccd.edu/reset/. You will need the answers to the security questions that you created when setting up your account.

If you do not remember your security questions, submit a request along with Government issued photo ID and we can reset password for you at https://mysdccd.atlassian.net/servicedesk/customer/portal/4/group/19.

Please see DSPS services. 

Complete the Release of Student Information form located on your Student Portal by clicking on the Documents and Forms tab, then Forms tab and open the fillable PDF. Save the form and download it.

Submit the Release of Student Information form to the campus you attended along with Government issued photo ID at https://mysdccd.atlassian.net/servicedesk/customer/portal/4/group/19.