Florida Department of Education
Curriculum Framework 

The standards and benchmarks for this program were updated for the 2026-27 academic year.

Program Title: 	Opticianry 
Career Cluster: 	Health Science

Associate in Science	
CIP Number	1351180100	
Program Type	College Credit	
Program Length	72 credit hours	
CTSO	HOSA	
SOC Codes (all applicable) 	For program SOC codes, please see the Program and Course Tables section of the CTE Program Resources page linked below.	
CTE Program Resources 	http://www.fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/career-tech-edu/program-resources.stml	

Purpose

This program offers a sequence of courses that provides coherent and rigorous content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare for further education and careers in the Health Science career cluster; provides technical skill proficiency, and includes competency-based applied learning that contributes to the academic knowledge, higher-order reasoning and problem-solving skills, work attitudes, general employability skills, technical skills, and occupation-specific skills, and knowledge of all aspects of Health Science career cluster. 

This program is designed to prepare students for employment as dispensing opticians, optician apprentices, dispensing), opticians:  dispensing and measuring (Opticians, Dispensing) or to provide supplemental training for persons previously or currently employed in these occupations.

The content includes but is not limited to lens surfacing, finishing and mounting; dispensing of completed prescriptions; fitting contact lenses; frame repair, business management techniques and human relations.  

Additional Information relevant to this Career and Technical Education (CTE) program is provided at the end of this document.

Program Structure

This program is a planned sequence of instruction consisting of 72 credit hours.

When developing the course sequence for the local implementation of this program, select courses that:
•	Meet the skill development requirements of the standards and benchmarks of this program.
•	Meet the general education core course requirements of Rule 6A-14.0303, Florida Administrative Code.
•	Where reasonable and practicable, align with programs offered by your institution or other postsecondary institutions in Florida, including: 
o	Related CCC and ATD credentials.
o	Baccalaureate degrees within the same career pathway and/or Federal CIP code.

Visit FloridaShines’ Discover Programs website to identify other institutions that offer similar programs to review their course sequencing. Where appropriate, course alignment between institutions offering related programs can facilitate interagency student articulation.

Visit FloridaShines’ Common Prerequisites Manual to identify courses that are prerequisites for admission into an upper division program.  When sub-baccalaureate courses are aligned to the course admissions requirements of baccalaureate programs with the same career pathway, students can enter upper division coursework seamlessly.   

Regulated Programs

The program must be approved by the:  Commission on Opticianry Accreditation, P.O. Box 592, Canton, NY 13617, (703) 468-0566.
Graduates of a recognized program with an A.S. Degree are eligible to take the Florida optician licensure examination administered by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation for the Board of Opticianry (Chapter 484, F.S.; Rule Chapter 21, F.A.C.).

Florida’s Career Readiness Skills for CTE Programs

Employability Skills	
01.0	Apply academic skills to workplace scenarios.	
01.01	Use reading skills.	
01.02	Use writing skills.	
01.03	Use mathematical strategies and procedures.	
01.04	Use scientific principles and procedures.	
02.0	Design a solution to an industry problem.	
02.01	Use critical thinking.	
02.02	Use creativity.	
02.03	Make sound decisions.	
02.04	Solve problems.	
02.05	Reason. 	
02.06	Plan and organize.	
03.0	Manage resources within an industry project	
03.01	Manage time.	
03.02	Manage money or resources.	
03.03	Manage materials.	
03.04	Manage personnel.	
04.0	Oversee the subcomponents, operations and output of a technical or organizational system.	
04.01	Manage systems.	
04.02	Monitor systems.	
04.03	Improve systems.	
05.0	Use information for decision making.	
05.01	Locate information.	
05.02	Organize information.	
05.03	Use information.	
05.04	Analyze information.	
05.05	Communicate information.	
06.0	Apply relevant technology to workplace scenarios to aid productivity.	
06.01	Use technology.	
07.0	Interpret and express interpersonal communication.	
07.01	Communicate verbally.	
07.02	Listen actively.	
07.03	Comprehend written material.	
07.04	Convey information in writing.	
07.05	Communicate nonverbally.	
07.06	Interpret nonverbal communication.	
08.0	Interact with others to accomplish workplace goals.	
08.01	Collaborate with others in a team.	
08.02	Respond to customer needs.	
08.03	Exercise leadership.	
08.04	Negotiate to resolve conflict.	
08.05	Respect others.	
09.0	Manage personal behavior to maximize productivity and professional growth.	
09.01	Demonstrate responsibility and self-discipline.	
09.02	Adapt and show flexibility.	
09.03	Work independently.	
09.04	Demonstrate a willingness to learn.	
09.05	Demonstrate integrity.	
09.06	Demonstrate professionalism.	
09.07	Take initiative.	
09.08	Display positive attitude.	
09.09	Take responsibility for professional growth.	
Job Attainment	
10.0	Find, assess and apply to job opportunities.	
10.01	Identify online job posts relevant to his or her career aspirations.	
10.02	Compare and contrast the job posts’ required qualifications, job duties, compensation, benefits and employers. 	
10.03	Define what information, documentation and writing prompts are required for the positions.	
11.0	Communicate personal competence, character and fit for a job opportunity.	
11.01	Develop a resume.	
11.02	Write a cover letter.	
11.03	Curate a professional portfolio that includes work products.	
11.04	Prepare for and experience a mock job interview.	
12.0	Cultivate and leverage relationships to professionally advance.	
12.01	Request a signed reference letter, letter of recommendation and/or an online skill/professionalism endorsement. 	
12.02	Develop a plan to cultivate a professional digital footprint.	
12.03	Develop a networking plan for a specific industry of interest.	

Standards

After successfully completing this program, the student will be able to perform the following:

01.0	Demonstrate knowledge of the health care delivery system and health occupations.
02.0	Demonstrate the ability to communicate and use interpersonal skills effectively.
03.0	Demonstrate legal and ethical responsibilities.
04.0	Demonstrate an understanding of and apply wellness and disease concepts.
05.0	Recognize and practice safety and security procedures.
06.0	Recognize and respond to emergency situations.
07.0	Recognize and practice infection control procedures.
08.0	Demonstrate an understanding of information technology applications in healthcare.
09.0	Demonstrate employability skills.
10.0	Demonstrate knowledge of blood borne diseases, including HIV/AIDS.
11.0	Apply basic math and science skills. 
12.0	Surface ophthalmic lenses.
13.0	Edge and finish lenses.
14.0	Insert and mount lenses.
15.0	Select and order frames and lenses.
16.0	Fit and dispense prescriptions.
17.0	Fit contact lenses.
18.0	Repair frames.
19.0	Demonstrate knowledge of office management.
20.0	Practice effective business management operation techniques.
21.0	Demonstrate knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the eye.
22.0	Demonstrate knowledge of the effects ophthalmic devices have in correcting the errors of human vision.
23.0	Practice technical and business computer functions.

Florida Department of Education
Student Performance Standards

Program Title: 	Optician
CIP Number: 		1351180100 
Program Length: 	72 credit hours

Standards 1-11 are referred to as the Health Science Core and are required standards in this program. Secondary and Postsecondary students completing the health science core will not have to repeat the core in any other health science program in which it is a part.  When the recommended sequence is followed, the structure allows students to complete at specified points for employment or remain for advanced training or cross-training.  

To ensure consistency whenever these courses are offered, the health science core standards (1-11) and benchmarks have been placed in a separate document. To access this document, visit this link: 
https://www.fldoe.org/core/fileparse.php/20569/urlt/health-sci-core-psav-cc-2324.rtf

At the completion of this program, the student will be able to:	
12.0	Surface ophthalmic lenses.  The student will be able to:	
12.01	Demonstrate knowledge of layout single vision and multi-focal lenses.	
12.02	Demonstrate knowledge of fabrication of single vision lenses and/or multi-focal lenses.	
12.03	Demonstrate knowledge of selecting ophthalmic lenses and supplies.	
12.04	Perform lens verification and inspection.	
13.0	Edge and finish lenses.  The student will be able to:	
13.01	Layout and block lenses.	
13.02	Machine and hand edge lenses.	
13.03	Perform lens verification and inspection.	
13.04	Tint hard resin lenses.	
13.05	Select appropriate lenses.	
14.0	Insert and mount lenses.  The student will be able to:	
14.01	Insert lenses into plastic frames.	
14.02	Insert lenses into metal frames.	
14.03	Mount lenses into rimless and semi-rimless mountings or other appropriate designs.	
14.04	Perform final inspection of eye glasses.	
14.05	Demonstrate knowledge of lens enhancements/treatments.	
15.0	Select and order frames and lenses.  The student will be able to:	
15.01	Analyze written prescriptions.	
15.02	Duplicate prescriptions from existing lenses.	
15.03	Evaluate patient's life-style needs.	
15.04	Use selected instruments to assist in the calculation of fitting measurements, including position of wear (POW).	
15.05	Calculate lens size and availability.	
15.06	Discuss charges with patients.	
15.07	Demonstrate knowledge of managed vision care procedures. 	
15.08	Order lenses and frames, including lens enhancements/treatments. 	
16.0	Fit and dispense prescriptions.  The students will be able to:	
16.01	Verify finished prescriptions to specifications.	
16.02	Align frames.	
16.03	Adjust and fit optical devices to patients.	
17.0	Fit contact lenses.  The student will be able to:	
17.01	Analyze prescriptions.	
17.02	Evaluate patient suitability.	
17.03	Use selected instruments to conduct and assess fittings.	
17.04	Identify types of contact lenses.	
17.05	Perform patient training.	
17.06	Outline potential complications.	
17.07	Perform follow-up evaluations.	
17.08	Demonstrate knowledge of insertions and removal of various contact lens.	
18.0	Repair frames.  The student will be able to:	
18.01	Demonstrate the knowledge of restoring finish and replacement/repair trim on frames.	
18.02	Replace/repair nose pieces on plastic or metal frames.	
18.03	Demonstrate knowledge of soldering metal frames.	
18.04	Replace/repair frame-front, temples, monofilament, and rimless. 	
18.05	Reshape damaged frames to lenses.	
18.06	Modify frames for special needs.	
19.0	Demonstrate knowledge of office management.  The student will be able to:	
19.01	Demonstrate knowledge of legal and ethical standards of vision care professionals.	
19.02	Maintain and file patient records. 	
19.03	Demonstrate basic knowledge of managed vision care.	
19.04	Demonstrate knowledge of the collections and overdue accounts. 	
19.05	Practice office supply control.	
20.0	Practice effective business management operation techniques.  The student will be able to:	
20.01	Develop a small business plan of operation.	
20.02	Develop an office policy/procedure manual.	
20.03	Demonstrate knowledge of business finance and operating expenses.	
20.04	Demonstrate the knowledge of setting up a pay scale and benefit program for employees and a bookkeeping system.	
20.05	Demonstrate knowledge of tax forms, payroll records, insurance needs and inventory needs.	
20.06	Demonstrate knowledge of employee hiring and orientation.	
20.07	Demonstrate knowledge of processes to resolve customer complaints. 	
20.08	Demonstrate a working knowledge of basic compliance laws related to Opticianry. 	
21.0	Demonstrate knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the eye.  The student will be able to:	
21.01	Demonstrate understanding of the interrelationships between body systems.	
21.02	Diagram and explain the anatomy of the visual system.	
21.03	Recognize and discuss physiological conditions of the eye.	
22.0	Demonstrate knowledge of the effects ophthalmic devices have in correcting the errors of human vision.  The student will be able to:	
22.01	Demonstrate knowledge of basic mathematical principles that are involved in ophthalmic and geometrical optics.	
22.02	Describe the influence of prisms on the behavior of light.	
22.03	Apply the principles of light acting on curved single refracting surface to the optics of ophthalmic lenses for parallel and nonparallel light.	
22.04	Describe the relationship and optical properties of cylindrical lenses.	
22.05	Demonstrate knowledge of the theory of lens surface power measuring devices.	
22.06	Create and eliminate prismatic effect by decentration.	
22.07	Demonstrate the influence of lens thickness and surface curvature.	
23.0	Practice technical and business computer functions.  The student will be able to:	
23.01	Demonstrate knowledge of technical computer functions.	
23.02	Demonstrate knowledge of practice management software and business applications of computers.	

Additional Information

Laboratory Activities

Laboratory investigations that include scientific inquiry, research, measurement, problem solving, emerging technologies, tools and equipment, as well as, experimental, quality, and safety procedures are an integral part of this career and technical program/course. Laboratory investigations benefit all students by developing an understanding of the complexity and ambiguity of empirical work, as well as the skills required to manage, operate, calibrate and troubleshoot equipment/tools used to make observations. Students understand measurement error; and have the skills to aggregate, interpret, and present the resulting data. Equipment and supplies should be provided to enhance hands-on experiences for students.

Special Notes

This program meets the Department of Health’s education requirements for HIV/AIDS, Domestic Violence and Prevention of Medical Errors.  Although not a requirement for initial licensure, it is a requirement for renewal, therefore the instructor may provide a certificate for renewal purposes to the student verifying these requirements have been met.

If students in this program are seeking a licensure, certificate, or registration through the Department of Health, please refer to 456.0635, F.S. for more information on disqualification for a license, certificate, or registration through the Department of Health. 

The cooperative method of instruction is appropriate for this program.  When the cooperative method is offered, the following is required for each student:  a training plan signed by the student, instructor and employer which includes instructional objectives and a list of on-the-job and in-school learning experiences; a work station which reflects equipment, skills, and tasks which are relevant to the occupations which the student has chosen as a career goal.  Students must receive compensation for work performed.

The CORE should be taken first in the program.  Following the successful completion of the core, the student is eligible to take the National Health Care Foundation Skill Standards Assessment with instructor approval and the completion of a portfolio.

General Education Course Requirements for AS and AAS Degrees

State Board of Education Rule 6A-14.030(4), F.A.C., identifies 15 credit hours as the minimum amount of general education coursework required in the Associate of Science (AS) degree and the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree.  In addition, Rule 6A-14.0303, F.A.C., implements s. 1007.25, F.S., and requires students entering a technical education degree program in the 2022-2023 academic year, and thereafter, to complete at least one identified core course in each subject area as part of the general education course requirements (15 credit hours total) before a degree is awarded) The core subject areas include: 
•	Communication. 
•	Humanities.
•	Mathematics. 
•	Natural Sciences.
•	Social Sciences.

Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO)

CTSOs are co-curricular career and technical student organizations providing leadership training and reinforcing specific career and technical skills. Career and Technical Student Organizations provide activities for students as an integral part of the instruction offered. Other CTSOs not listed in this curriculum framework or recognized by the Florida Department of Education are permissible provided they support student mastery over the standards and benchmarks of this curriculum framework.

Accommodations

Federal and state legislation requires the provision of accommodations for students with disabilities to meet individual needs and ensure equal access. Postsecondary students with disabilities must self-identify, present documentation, request accommodations if needed, and develop a plan with their counselor and/or instructors. Accommodations received in postsecondary education may differ from those received in secondary education. Accommodations change the way the student is instructed. Students with disabilities may need accommodations in such areas as instructional methods and materials, assignments and assessments, time demands and schedules, learning environment, assistive technology and special communication systems. Documentation of the accommodations requested and provided should be maintained in a confidential file.

Certificate Programs

A College Credit Certificate consists of a program of instruction of less than sixty (60) credits of college-level courses, which is part of an AS or AAS degree program and prepares students for entry into employment (Rule 6A-14.030, F.A.C.). This AS degree program includes the following College Credit Certificates:

Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician (0351100600) – 24 credit hours

Standards for the above certificate programs are contained in separate curriculum frameworks.