Rule 4725-9-02 | Approved optometrist education programs, optician education program definitions, and approval of a college level program of opticianry.
(A) Approved optometry educational programs include, but are not limited to meeting the conditions in section 4725.10 of the Revised Code.
(B) Prior to approval of a college level program of opticianry, the board will consider the following information provided by the program which includes, but is not limited to:
(1) The mission statement of the program which is appropriate for opticianry;
(2) The learning objectives of the program which are competency based, clearly stated and appropriate for opticianry;
(3) The goals of the program which define the end results that students must achieve for graduation.
(4) The written policies for, but not limited to, the following:
(a) Grading and completion requirements;
(b) Maintenance of student records;
(c) Grievance and appeal procedures; and,
(d) Competency-based student clinical practice.
(C) Applicants shall have completed an optical dispensing program at an institution accredited by an accreditation organization that is recognized or approved by the United States department of education.
(D) The minimal length of the program for opticianry program shall be two academic years or equivalent and must follow an educationally sound and sequenced plan which documents:
(1) A structured curriculum with a clearly written course syllabi which describe competencies and student learning objectives. The curriculum shall include, but is not limited to courses of study in:
(a) Mathematics;
(b) Science;
(c) English;
(d) Anatomy and physiology of the eye;
(e) Applied optics;
(f) Ophthalmic optics;
(g) Measurement and inspection of lenses,
(h) Lens grinding and edging;
(i) Ophthalmic lens design;
(j) Keratometry; and,
(k) Fitting and adjusting of spectacle lenses and frames and contact lenses, including methods of fitting contact lenses and post-fitting care.
(2) The curriculum may include, but is not limited to, general education content such as:
(a) Behavioral science;
(b) Computer technology;
(c) Business management;
(d) Fabrication techniques;
(e) Dispensing theory;
(f) Ophthalmic terminology;
(g) Prescription analysis;
(h) Production and quality control;
(i) Safety and environmental health; and,
(j) Ethical and legal parameters of practice.
(E) The board may require reports from an approved program of opticianry on a regular basis as determined by the board. The reports shall include, but are not limited to:
(1) The number of students enrolled in the program;
(2) Graduation rates;
(3) Changes in curriculum or faculty;
(4) Other information as required by the board.
(F) Approval of a college level program of opticianry may be withdrawn by the board for the following reasons:
(1) The opticianry program does not continue to meet the minimum curriculum as described in this rule;
(2) The institution/program of opticianry requests withdrawal of approval;
(3) There are no students in the program for two consecutive years; or,
(4) For any valid reason as determined by the board.
(G) For purposes of an approval of an accredited program of opticianry, the following definitions apply:
(1) "Board" means the state vision professionals board.
(2) "Competency-based clinical practice" means a supervised practicum of learning experiences in a setting modeled after a retail/professional optical dispensary including a contact lens dispensary.
(3) "Structured curriculum" means a set of courses in opticianry leading to a degree in opticianry.
Last updated December 12, 2023 at 10:38 AM
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