Optician and ophthalmic tech schools in Virginia
2 accredited programs in Virginia, from the public COA and ICA accreditor directories.
Virginia at a glance
- Opticianry programs: 2 (Reynolds Community College, Tri-Service Optician School (military))
- Ophthalmic assistant/technician programs: none listed by the ICA directory for Virginia
- Cities: Richmond, Yorktown
- Programs listing an associate degree: 1 of 2; the rest are certificates or the accreditor list does not state the credential.
Licensing in Virginia
- Opticians licensed: yes
- Regulator: Virginia Board for Hearing Aid Specialists and Opticians (DPOR)
- License types: Optician license; Contact Lens Endorsement (separate application)
- Exams (per the board): Board page: 'Exam Administrator ABO/NCLE'; 'WRITTEN EXAM AND PRACTICAL EXAM (ABO/NCLE)'. First-time applicants 'MUST apply with the Board PRIOR TO registering to take the exam.' Contact Lens Endorsement has its own written and practical exams
From the board’s own page, checked 2026-10-09. Rules change; confirm with the board before you enroll.
Full details: Virginia optician licensing.
Accredited programs in Virginia
| School | City | Program type | Credential | Listed by |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Reynolds Community College (opens in a new tab)
Opticianry |
Richmond | Optician | AAS | COA (opens in a new tab) |
|
Tri-Service Optician School (military) (opens in a new tab)
Ophthalmic Laboratory Technology |
Yorktown | Optician | Certificate | 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 Virginia’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, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, 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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