Eye Care Technology student performing an exam

Eye Care Technology

Certificate Technical Degree

With a 100% job placement rate for graduates of our eye care technology program, the career outlook for new students is solid. If you’re eyeing a career in opticianry, optometry, or ophthalmology, get the real-world, clinical eye tech training you need at San Jac.

Program at a Glance

Career Opportunities

With a degree and/or certificate in eye care technology, you can find a career as a:
  • Clinical Research, Ophthalmic, or Field Service Technician
  • Ophthalmic, Optometric, or Surgical Assistant
  • Optician
  • Retinal Photographer
  • Contact Lens Technician

Earning Potential

Certified Ophthalmic Technicians: $51,733
Certified Ophthalmic Assistants: $42,500

For more salary information, check out Texas Wages.

Skills Learned

Through San Jacinto's nationally recognized program, students learn a variety of skills including, but not limited to:

  • Performing diagnostic tests
  • Recording functional ocular measurements and tests
  • Administering topical ophthalmic and oral medications
  • Fitting of contact lenses

DEGREES & CERTIFICATES

Eye Care Technology, AAS

Technical Degree
The Associate of Applied Science degree prepares you to sit for an advanced certification from the International Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology. The only accredited certified ophthalmic technician program in the Houston metro area, our eye tech training program will teach you all the skills you need to launch a career in eye care—from performing diagnostic tests to fitting contacts to assisting in ophthalmic surgery.
Length 2 Years
If you're studying full-time, you can complete the 60 credits for this program in five terms, including a summer term.

Eye Care Technology, Certificate of Technology

Certificate
Play a vital role in delivering high-quality eye care services to patients with this Paraoptometric Certificate. Learn how to conduct patient-centered duties, such as pretesting and visual acuity tests. Specifically designed to give students hands-on training in the classroom, in the laboratory, and in clinical settings, this certificate program can help students launch their careers or give their existing skills a boost.
Length 1 Year
If you're studying part-time, you can complete the 29 credits for this certificate in three terms, including a summer term.

Eye Care, Optician Preparatory, Occupational Certificate

Certificate
Opticians help patients harness the power of sight. This certificate will give you the skills needed to work alongside opticians and assist with eyeglass fittings, repairs, and adjustments. This certificate equips you to interpret prescriptions, measure and fit frames, and educate patients on proper eyewear maintenance.
Length 1 Year
If you're studying part-time, you can complete the 16 credits for this certificate in three terms, including one summer term.

CAREER TRACKS

The content below shows a flowchart of the career tracks.

After San Jacinto College

You’ll be prepared for a rewarding career in opticianry, optometry, and ophthalmology. You'll be equipped to help clients find the perfect pair of glasses, perform diagnostic tests in all kinds of clinical settings, and more. For San Jac eye care grads, the future looks good.

Program Objectives

The graduate of San Jacinto College's eye care tech program will participate in the eye care team as a competent allied ophthalmic personal (AOP).

  1. The graduate uses critical thinking and evidence-based practices to deliver the care under the guidance of the physician in which they work.
  2. The graduate facilitates the acquisitioning of clinical data from the patient pertinent to the correct care of the patient.
  3. The graduate can demonstrate open and accurate communication to become the liasion between patient and physician.
  4. The graduate works within the legal and ethical guidelines of the scope of the AOP duties.
  5. The graduate pursues certification upon graduation.
  6. The graduate maintains continued professional growth and awareness of current industry demands.
Eye Care Tech Video Play Video

Former See to Succeed Patient Gives Back

When Sebastian Solis was 6, he received free eye exams and glasses through the See to Succeed program at San Jacinto College. Now a student in the Eye Care Technology program, Solis enjoys helping young kids in See to Succeed, saying "it was a blessing for me to return that favor to the community."

Sebastian Solis
Sight helps us experience the world. Providing the necessary screening to help save someone’s sight is my number one drive.”
Sebastian Solis
Eye Care Technology student
Since completing his certificate of technology in summer 2023, Solis plans to work in an ophthalmology office before returning to the College for his associate degree. Whatever the case, there’s no doubt his vision is helping others restore theirs.

Have Questions?

Reach out to learn more about eye care technology programs at San Jacinto College.