RIVERSIDE, Calif.—North-West College (NWC) is once again expanding its program offerings by bringing the Eyecare Specialist Program to its Riverside Campus. In preparation for this new program, the College has outfitted classroom space and a learning lab especially for Eyecare Specialist students—ensuring they have the opportunity to experience the dynamic learning environment that has come to be synonymous with North-West College.
“Expanding our Eyecare Specialist Program to the College’s Riverside Campus addresses a growing need for quality vision care,” explained Divisional Director of Operations Nikee Carnagey. “We are excited to be able to offer another training option for individuals hoping to enter the eyecare field.”
Eyecare Specialists are a vital member of the health care field, providing eighty percent of all vision care in the United States. Whether helping to fit eyeglasses and contact lenses, following prescriptions from ophthalmologists and optometrists, or selecting frames for prescription mounting and prescription verification—Eyecare Specialists take on a wide variety of tasks and interact with patients on a daily basis.
A growing aging population means the number of people with vision issues will also climb in the coming years, making vision health care an excellent opportunity for trained Eyecare Specialists. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the profession is projected to grow 15 percent from 2016–26—at a much higher rate than the average occupation.
“Adding the Eyecare Specialist Program to our Riverside Campus demonstrates the College’s commitment to producing well-trained vision health professionals,” Carnagey shared. “Students who choose NWC’s Eyecare Specialist Program will not only benefit from relevant classroom instruction, but will also have the chance to put their learning into practice—taking part in practical, hands-on training that will equip them to succeed in the World of Work.”