The Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University will provide expert instruction
this fall on eye wear and patient service to dozens of eye care professionals in their
12-hour course, “Practical Training for Opticians.”
The state does not require opticians to be licensed. This instruction is an important educational resource for staffers working with customers in 600 optometrist offices across Michigan. Course instructor Jamie Brady said that some ophthalmologists and optometrists send their entire staff to these two-day sessions for training on lenses, frames, identifying face shapes and repairing eye wear.
“For some, it’s a great review. For others, it’s all new information,” Brady said.
The course is presented three times each year as MCO strives to “serve the health care needs of the public,” an element of the college’s mission statement. Brady said that the training is highly regarded by the state’s eye care professionals.
“Comments have revealed it’s been a very successful program, well put together, if there’s any concern of the people that went through it is, ‘OK, if this is the 101 class, where’s the next one, the 202 class?’” he said. “We’re working on that.”
Brady and his fellow course instructor Tracy Dard are graduates of Ferris’ Opticianry program, an associate degree curriculum offered by the University from 1957 to 2002.
Gold sponsors of Practical Training for Opticians include Harbor Optical, Inc., Hoya and Vision Craft. Clearvision, Optical Supply, Inc. and Twin City Optical Co., Inc. are bronze sponsors.
The course will be offered Nov. 6-7 at the Michigan College of Optometry on Ferris’ Big Rapids campus. There is a limit of 20 attendees per course to ensure maximum interaction with instructors.
Any questions regarding registration for the course can be directed to Ferris’ Conference and Professional Services office, (231) 591-2340, or (231) 591-3808.
PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured is James “Jamie” Brady, Professor with the Michigan College
of Optometry at Ferris State University.