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Part 52, Registration of Curricula for Ophthalmic Dispensing

Disclaimer: Sections from the Education Law, Rules of the Board of Regents or Regulations of the Commissioner of Education are presented below for general informational purposes as a public service. Although reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that these sections are current, complete, and accurate, the State Education Department does not warrant or represent that this information is current, complete, and accurate. The statutes, rules, and regulations are subject to change on a regular basis. Readers are advised to consult McKinney's Consolidated Laws of New York (West Publishing Corporation) and Title 8 of the Unofficial Version New York Codes, Rules and Regulations - Title 8 (8 NYCRR), published by the Department of State, and the State Register for the official exposition of the text of these statutes, rules and regulations, as well as for amendments and any subsequent changes or revisions thereto.

  1. Definitions. As used in this section:
    1. Professional ophthalmic dispensing content area shall mean coursework, which includes but is not limited to, each of the following curricular areas:
      1. ocular anatomy, physiology, and pathology;
      2. ophthalmic lens design and types;
      3. ophthalmic medical technology;
      4. theory of optics and refraction;
      5. patients' subjective signs and symptoms;
      6. prescription interpretation and analysis, including application of required instruments and equipment;
      7. ocular pharmacology;
      8. lens applications;
      9. lens fitting and adjusting techniques;
      10. clinical experience in ophthalmic dispensing; which may occur in an internship or externship;
      11. contact lens application, patient education and follow-up care;
      12. optics and contact lenses;
      13. contact lens fitting and adjusting techniques;
      14. ocular prostheses and devices;
      15. ethics of ophthalmic dispensing;
      16. safety, protective, and environmental requirements; and
      17. clinical experience in contact lens fitting, which may occur in an internship or externship.
    2. General education content area shall mean coursework which includes, but is not limited to, each of the following curricular areas:
      1. mathematics;
      2. basic science;
      3. humanities;
      4. communications (including oral and written English);
      5. behavioral science; and
      6. computer studies.
  2. Curriculum.
    1. In addition to meeting all applicable provisions of this Part, to be registered as a program leading to licensure in ophthalmic dispensing and certification to fit contact lenses that fulfills the requirements of section 67.1 of this Title, such program shall consist of at least 60 semester hours or its equivalent, including a minimum of 30 semester hours or its equivalent in the professional ophthalmic dispensing content area, and a minimum of 20 semester hours or its equivalent in the general education contact area.
    2. Clinical facilities. A written contract or agreement shall be executed between the educational institution conducting the ophthalmic dispensing program and the clinical facility or agency which is designated to cooperate in providing the clinical experience, which shall set forth the responsibilities of each party, and shall be signed by the responsible officer of each party.