Ogeechee Technical College says that quality instruction, hands-on experience, and connections to professionals in the workplace make OTC’s Opticianry program a top choice for students in the area.
Last month, Deborah Deloach, OTC’s Opticianry Program director, invited professionals from both Walmart’s Vision Center and Young Optics to share some insight into what it’s like to work in professional eye care. Additionally, they met virtually with Luxittica and Warble Parker who were able to share information about their companies and the jobs they have available.
“It was really great to hear firsthand from these companies what we can expect once we get out into the real world,” said Kendra Welch, a recent graduate from the Opticianry program. “They took the time to answer our questions, offer tips and incentives for employment, as well as some insights into their work environment.”
Prior to enrolling at OTC, Welch was unsure of what the next step of her journey would look like. A friend of hers who was already enrolled at OTC in another program encouraged her to check out Opticianry.
“My friend was enrolled in a program in the same building as Opticianry and suggested I look online for more information. Two years later, here I am graduating with a job already lined up to serve as a team captain in an office in Leesburg,” said Welch. “I owe a lot to my wonderful professors who have done such a great job educating me and preparing me for my new career.”
The Opticianry program at OTC is the only program in the state of Georgia accredited by the Commission on Opticianry Accreditation (COA). DeLoach, who has served as program director since July 2007 and also works part-time as a Dispensing Licensed Optician, and Scott Lloyd, who has been an instructor for 20 years at OTC are incredibly proud of their students and the nearly 100% pass rate the program has had for several of it’s examinations since 2017.
“Opticianry is a wonderful field for anybody willing to learn new skills. No matter your background or previous experience you can be trained for a variety of positions in today’s opticianry field, and jobs are available. I am proud of our pass rates but even more so of our job placement rate because beginning a career is what opens doors and makes a difference in our students’ lives,” said DeLoach.
The Opticianry program seeks to qualify students for employment in retail optical stores, wholesale laboratories in addition to optical dispensaries of doctors of Optometry and medical doctors of Ophthalmology. To learn more about the Opticianry program at OTC, please visit www.ogeecheetech.edu/OPHD.
