Optician and ophthalmic tech schools by state
44 accredited programs at US schools: 17 opticianry/ophthalmic dispensing and 27 ophthalmic assistant/technician. Pick a state to see each school, its credential, and a link to the program page.
| State | Optician | Ophthalmic tech | Licensing info |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 0 | 1 | CA licensing |
| Connecticut | 1 | 0 | CT licensing |
| District of Columbia | 0 | 1 | State hub |
| Florida | 3 | 0 | FL licensing |
| Illinois | 0 | 3 | State hub |
| Louisiana | 0 | 2 | State hub |
| Massachusetts | 1 | 0 | MA licensing |
| Michigan | 0 | 1 | State hub |
| Minnesota | 0 | 2 | State hub |
| Nevada | 1 | 0 | NV licensing |
| New Jersey | 3 | 0 | State hub |
| New Mexico | 1 | 0 | State hub |
| New York | 2 | 0 | NY licensing |
| North Carolina | 2 | 4 | State hub |
| Oklahoma | 0 | 1 | State hub |
| Oregon | 0 | 1 | State hub |
| Tennessee | 1 | 1 | TN licensing |
| Texas | 0 | 8 | State hub |
| Virginia | 2 | 0 | VA licensing |
| Washington | 0 | 1 | WA licensing |
| Wisconsin | 0 | 1 | State hub |
Which program fits?
Optician programs teach eyewear and contact lens dispensing and lead toward the ABO and NCLE exams; see ABO certification and NCLE certification. Ophthalmic tech programs train assistants and technicians who work with ophthalmologists; see COA certification. Not sure a school is needed? Read how to become an optician and optician apprenticeships.
Last checked Oct 2026. Built from two public accreditor directories: the Commission on Opticianry Accreditation, Directory of Accredited Programs (opticianry and ophthalmic laboratory programs) and the International Council of Accreditation (formerly CoA-OMP), Find a Program (ophthalmic assistant and technician programs). Optometry (OD) schools are not listed. Programs marked “in the process of accreditation” or “inactive” on those lists are left out. Start dates, costs, and enrollment change; confirm details with each school.
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