VC 261 - General Dispensing Practice

Credit Hours: 1

A course in agency observation, study, and participation, aimed at orienting the student optician to a specific fieldwork assignment with emphasis on supervised participation in the work of the ophthalmic dispensing agency. In addition to observing, reporting, and recording, there is a practical application of minor and major ophthalmic dispensing skills in an actual ophthalmic dispensing (out-clinic) setting.

Course Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

complete minor repairs to the customer’s eyewear;
readjust eyewear to the customer’s satisfaction in a normal period of time;
interact courteously with co-workers and customers alike;
apply skills learned in the Ophthalmic Dispensing Lab to situations encountered in actual business practice;
suggest appropriate eyewear to the public regarding frame compatibility with the customer’s prescription;
describe benefits accruable to the customer based on frames, size, color, type, and/or material;
take all required facial and anatomical measurements to correctly fabricate the customer’s prescription;
deliver the completed eyewear to the customer, making all necessary adjustments beyond the basic bench adjustment, including directions to the customer on proper handling, maintenance, and pitfalls concerning adjustment to the new optical power of the lenses and prescription;
document and place orders, transmit specifications, and record appropriate laboratory information;
maintain price and product lists by monitoring price and product availability;
determine the patient’s participation in a third-party program and complete appropriate documentation; and
establish rapport with patients and demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.

Prerequisites: VC 246
Concurrent Registration: VC 256
S (N)