About the Program
The Opticianry Program is a two-year associate degree designed to train healthcare professionals who prepare and apply optical products prescribed by ophthalmologists for individuals with partial or total visual impairment. Graduates gain expertise in prescription eyeglass lenses, all types of contact lenses, optical vision aids, eyeglass frames, and protective eyewear.
The program provides both theoretical and practical education in areas such as ocular anatomy and physiology, basic optics, refraction measurements, use of optical devices, lens fitting techniques, and customer relations. It aims to graduate competent opticians who contribute to public eye health while upholding professional ethics and standards.
Mission
The mission of the program is to train opticians who integrate theory and practice, are proficient with current technologies, contribute to eye health, adhere to ethical values, and are conscious of environmental health, public health, and occupational safety. It also aims to graduate entrepreneurial and innovative professionals for the optical sector.
Vision
With the increase in digital device usage due to technological advancements, issues such as digital eye strain and various vision problems have become more prevalent, further highlighting the importance of the opticianry profession.
Objectives
The main objectives of the Opticianry Program are to:
- Train healthcare technicians who can meet the optical needs specified in prescriptions provided by ophthalmologists.
- Equip students with theoretical and practical knowledge of ocular anatomy, eye diseases, optics, and refraction.
- Teach the proper application of lenses, frames, contact lenses, and optical devices.
- Provide knowledge of optical store management, marketing, customer relations, and business processes.
- Develop professionals who are proficient in safety, ethics, legislation, and are conscious of environmental and public health issues.
Goals
Graduates of the program will be able to:
- Combine theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the field of eye health.
- Accurately interpret prescriptions and select appropriate lenses and frames, including performing fittings.
- Operate optical instruments (e.g., focometers, pupillometers, lensmeters) effectively.
- Keep up with innovations in the optical industry and continuously improve their professional skills.
- Work responsibly, collaborate successfully with teams, and contribute to public health.
Language of Program
The language of program is Turkish.
Who Can Apply?
The Opticianry Program is ideal for candidates with both technical and aesthetic skills. Applicants should:
- Have strong hand and fine motor skills, including hand-eye coordination
- Pay attention to details and work carefully and precisely
- Have systematic and analytical thinking skills
- Be interested in physics and optics
- Have a high aesthetic sense and strong visual perception
- Be team-oriented with excellent communication skills
- Be responsible, curious, and open to personal growth
Duration and Structure
- 2 years (4 semesters), totaling 120 credits
- Includes both theoretical and practical courses
- Internship at optical stores or eye clinics after 1–2 academic years
Sample Courses
- Basic Mathematics
- Basic Physics
- Ocular Anatomy and Physiology
- Optical Physics
- Opticianry I, II
- Optics and Refraction
- Opticianry Practice
- Optical Instruments
- Professional Ethics, Marketing, and Customer Relations
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Introduction to Computers
- First Aid
Bachelor’s Degree (DGS)
Graduates wishing to pursue a bachelor’s degree may apply to the national DGS exam in accordance with the Higher Education Council regulations. Available bachelor’s degree programs include Physics, Physics Engineering, Health Management, Optical and Acoustic Engineering, and other related fields approved by YÖK.
Career Opportunities
Graduates can pursue a variety of career paths, including:
- Opening their own optical stores anywhere in Turkey under the title “Optician.”
- Serving as responsible managers in privately owned optical stores.
- Working as opticians in public and private eye clinics, or as technicians in hospital eye departments.
- Employment in companies or factories that produce or import eyeglass lenses and frames.
- Serving as sales consultants, customer representatives, or technical support staff in the optical sector.
Activities
Students can participate in the Optical Club, engaging in sectoral activities, technical visits, and seminars that support their professional development.