Optician and ophthalmic tech schools in New York
2 accredited programs in New York, from the public COA and ICA accreditor directories.
New York at a glance
- Opticianry programs: 2 (New York City College of Technology (CUNY), SUNY Erie Community College)
- Ophthalmic assistant/technician programs: none listed by the ICA directory for New York
- Cities: Brooklyn, Williamsville
- Programs listing an associate degree: 2 of 2.
Licensing in New York
- Opticians licensed: yes
- Regulator: New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions, State Board for Ophthalmic Dispensing
- License types: Ophthalmic dispensing license; Certificate in contact lens dispensing (cannot precede licensure); trainee permit ($30); limited permit ($35)
- Exams (per the board): Written: ABO-NCLE NOCE (or comparable exam determined by the Department). Practical: ABO-NCLE ABO Practical (ABOP), after filing licensure application, passing NOCE, and Department approval
From the board’s own page, checked 2026-10-08. Rules change; confirm with the board before you enroll.
Full details: New York optician licensing.
Accredited programs in New York
| School | City | Program type | Credential | Listed by |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
New York City College of Technology (CUNY) (opens in a new tab)
Ophthalmic Dispensing / Vision Care Technology |
Brooklyn | Optician | AAS | COA (opens in a new tab) |
|
SUNY Erie Community College (opens in a new tab)
Vision Care Technology |
Williamsville | Optician | Associate degree | COA (opens in a new tab) |
Which program fits your goal?
Want to fit and dispense glasses or contacts? Opticianry programs teach optics, lens fabrication, frame fitting, and contact lens fitting. Graduates commonly sit for the national ABO (eyeglasses) and NCLE (contact lenses) exams, which many licensed states use. Start with ABO vs NCLE and how to become an optician.
Not ready for school? Many opticians and ophthalmic assistants start by training on the job. See optician apprenticeships, and use our free practice tests to check where you stand.
Questions to ask a program
- Is it currently accredited (COA for opticianry, ICA for ophthalmic assisting), and when is the next review?
- What credential do you earn: certificate, associate degree, or both?
- Does it include clinical or retail externship hours, and does that count toward New York’s requirements?
- How many graduates sat the national exams last year? Ask for their published numbers rather than marketing claims.
- Total cost, schedule (day, evening, online), and next start date.
Programs in other states
California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin
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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