Optical Science Technology (AAS)
The Associate Degree Program in Applied Sciences in Optical Sciences offers a university preparation that produces the development of the technical skills and the competences of the profession; it offers, in addition, a scientific base and the most recent knowledge in the professional field.
The courses aim to prepare the student for carrying out the functions and operations required in the optician profession. They aim to enable the student to perform in the optics market.
In order to obtain the permanent license in Puerto Rico, the graduate must pass the Board’s examination offered by the Examining Board of Optician.
In practice the profession in another jurisdiction, it will be governed by that jurisdiction.
Students must be available to do the laboratories and practices in the centers authorized by the University.
The Ponce Campus is authorized to offer this Program.
Program goals
The program, among its goals, aspires to:
- Obtain optical knowledge to address the most common visual conditions in the general population.
- Handle ophthalmic equipment and material.
- Provide patients with an excellent service.
- Application of ethics in the field of optical sciences.
Graduate competency profile
The Associate Degree in Applied Sciences in Technology in Optical Sciences is designed to develop the skills that allow the student to become a professional with mastery of technical skills and the ability to communicate clearly and logically. You must be aware of your role within the health team and that you can adjust to the technological forces that dictate a constant update of your professional career. An optical sciences professional must possess the following competencies:
The Program is designed to develop the skills that allow the student to:
Knowledge
- Understand optical terminology.
- Know the signs and symptoms of subnormal vision and disorders that alter the mechanism of vision.
- Understand the indications and contraindications for the use of contact lenses.
- Interpret eyewear purchase orders.
Abilities
- Operate the automatic and manual machinery for the processing of ophthalmic lenses.
- Cut the ophthalmic lenses according to the dimensions of the selected frames.
- Organize the inventory of cleaning materials and instruments.
- Mount the ophthalmic lenses in the selected frames.
- Use the basic measuring equipment of lenses and calipers.
- Perform polishing, duplicating, scribing, and edge finishing operations on ophthalmic lenses.
- Apply the techniques to take ocular and facial measurements for single vision, multifocal and corrective lenses.
- Assist the optometrist or ophthalmologist to perform preliminary field and visual acuity examinations and document the patient's clinical history.
Attitudes
- Demonstrate professional ethics in the practice of dispensing prescriptions.
- Show behaviors of respect towards the individual.
- Demonstrate responsibility and commitment to their profession.
Admission Requirements
- Meet the admission requirements established in the General Catalog of the University.
- Provide a certificate of no criminal record.
- Provide an updated certificate of health, issued by the Department of Health or an authorized doctor.
- Have a minimum high school grade point index of 2.50. In the case of transfer or intra transfer, the institutional norm will be followed.
Graduation Requirements
For graduation this program will require the approval of all courses of the major with a minimum grade of C.
Requirements for the Associate Degree in Applied Science in Optical Science Technology
| General Education Requirements |
24 credits |
| Major Requirements |
41 credits |
| Total |
65 credits |
General Education Requirements - 24 credits
| GESP | Spanish - Select 6 credits from the GESP category | 6 |
| GEEN | English - Select 6 credits from the GEEN category | 6 |
| GEP-GEMA 1000 | Quantitative Reasoning | 3 |
| GEP-GEHS 2010 | Historical Process of Contemporary Puerto Rico | 3 |
| GEP-GECF 1010 | Introduction to the Christian Faith | 3 |
| GEP-GEIC 1010 | Information and Computing Technologies | 3 |
Major Requirements - 41 credits