Optician Programs in Riverside, California

Becoming an Optician in Riverside, California

Are you considering a career as an Optician in Riverside, California? Opticians, also known as Optical Technicians, play a crucial role in the eye care industry by helping customers select and fit eyeglasses and contact lenses. This guide will walk you through the steps to become an Optician in Riverside, including education paths, certification, and training options available locally.

About Riverside

Riverside, California, is a bustling city located in the Inland Empire region. Known for its rich history and cultural landmarks such as the Mission Inn and the Riverside Art Museum, Riverside offers a unique blend of suburban and urban living. For more information about the city, visit the official Riverside website.

Optician Training Programs in Riverside, California

While Riverside itself may not have a plethora of Optician-specific programs, nearby institutions offer excellent training opportunities:

1. American Career College – Ontario Campus
   Located approximately 20 miles from Riverside, the American Career College offers a comprehensive Optical Technician program. This program provides hands-on training and prepares students for the National Opticianry Competency Examination (NOCE).
   Visit the program page

2. Saddleback College – Mission Viejo
   About 50 miles from Riverside, Saddleback College offers an Optician/Optical Technician certificate program. The program includes coursework in optical theory, lens technology, and patient care.
   Visit the program page

3. Moorpark College – Moorpark
   Approximately 90 miles from Riverside, Moorpark College provides an Opticianry program that covers both spectacle and contact lens dispensing. The program is designed to prepare students for both the NOCE and CLRE exams.
   Visit the program page

Optician Employment Opportunities in Riverside

Riverside hosts several optical retailers and healthcare facilities where Opticians can find employment:

1. LensCrafters – Galleria at Tyler
   Located in the Galleria at Tyler, LensCrafters is a leading optical retailer offering a wide range of eyewear and eye care services.
   Visit the careers page

2. Kaiser Permanente Riverside Medical Center
   Situated in the Magnolia Center neighborhood, Kaiser Permanente offers comprehensive healthcare services, including an optical department.
   Visit the careers page

3. Visionworks – Riverside Plaza
   Visionworks provides a variety of optical services and products in the Riverside Plaza area.
   Visit the careers page

Prerequisites for Optician Programs

To enroll in an Optician program, you typically need:

• A high school diploma or GED
• Minimum age of 18
• Basic math and reading skills
• Some programs may require entrance exams or background checks

Licensure Requirements in California

In California, Opticians must be licensed through the California State Board of Optometry. Requirements include:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Completion of an opticianry training program or apprenticeship
• Passing the NOCE and CLRE exams
• Registration with the California State Board of Optometry, including application and registration fees
• Clean criminal background check

For more information, visit the California State Board of Optometry.

Licensure Reciprocity

California does not offer licensure reciprocity for Opticians from other states. Opticians moving to California must meet all state-specific requirements to practice.

Get Started Today

Embarking on a career as an Optician in Riverside, California, is a rewarding choice. With the right training and certification, you can join a growing field that offers both stability and the opportunity to help others. Reach out to a local school today to begin your journey toward becoming an Optician.

For more information on the job outlook for Opticians, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics.