Optometric Technician
Train for a Career in Eye Care at HCI College
The Optometric Technician Diploma Program at HCI College prepares students with the clinical, technical, and administrative skills needed to work alongside optometrists and ophthalmologists in a variety of eye care settings. Through hands-on training, classroom instruction, and a supervised externship, students learn how to assist with comprehensive eye exams, perform diagnostic testing, educate patients, dispense eyewear and contact lenses, and support the daily operations of an eye care practice.
If you’re looking for a healthcare career that combines patient interaction, advanced technology, and specialized clinical skills, becoming an Optometric Technician can provide a rewarding path into the growing field of vision care.
Why Choose HCI College’s Optometric Technician Program?
At HCI College, you’ll gain practical experience using the same equipment found in today’s optometric and ophthalmology practices. Our curriculum is designed to help students build confidence in both clinical procedures and patient care while preparing for entry-level employment.
Program Highlights
- Approximately 10-month diploma program
- Available exclusively at the Fort Lauderdale campus
- 180-hour externship in an eye care setting
- Hands-on training with industry-standard ophthalmic and optical equipment
- Cash-pay program—graduate without federal financial aid debt.
- Career Services assistance available for graduates
What Does an Optometric Technician Do?
Optometric Technicians play an important role in helping eye care providers deliver quality patient care. They perform preliminary testing before the provider sees the patient, assist during examinations and procedures, educate patients about eye health, and help patients select eyewear and contact lenses.
Daily responsibilities may include:
- Recording patient medical histories
- Measuring visual acuity
- Performing diagnostic eye testing
- Assisting with contact lens fittings
- Administering ophthalmic medications under supervision
- Preparing patients for examinations
- Dispensing eyeglasses and contact lenses
- Educating patients on eye diseases and home care
- Scheduling appointments and maintaining patient records
- Supporting billing and practice operations
What You’ll Learn
The Optometric Technician curriculum combines foundational science with practical clinical training. Throughout the program, students develop the knowledge and technical skills necessary to support comprehensive eye care.
Students learn how to:
- Understand ocular anatomy and physiology
- Recognize common eye diseases and disorders
- Understand ocular pharmacology and ophthalmic medications
- Perform vision screenings and diagnostic testing
- Assist with advanced ophthalmic procedures
- Conduct patient education and disease management
- Dispense eyeglasses and contact lenses
- Operate specialized diagnostic equipment
- Maintain accurate medical documentation
- Support administrative and practice management functions
Clinical Externship Experience
Students complete a supervised 180-hour externship in an eye care practice, allowing them to apply classroom knowledge in a real clinical environment.
During the externship, students work alongside experienced eye care professionals while gaining valuable experience in patient care, diagnostic testing, optical dispensing, and practice operations.
Real-world clinical experience helps graduates transition from the classroom into professional practice.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Optometric Technician program may qualify for entry-level positions in:
- Optometry practices
- Ophthalmology offices
- Vision clinics
- Specialty eye care centers
- Optical retail practices
- Refractive surgery centers
- Multi-specialty medical clinics
Optometric Technician Diploma Location
1201 W. Cypress Creek Rd., Suite 101
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
(954)626-0255
