Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions at Erie Community College
with a mid-sized student body of 5,906 in Buffalo, NY.
Program Analysis
At $26,746 per year, Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions graduates from Erie Community College earn below the $35,459 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.
Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 23.0x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions programs nationally.
Some AI exposure exists in Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions's career paths, with 31% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 1% gap from the optimistic case.
Ranked #16 of 17 Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions programs, Erie Community College falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
There are 2 registered apprenticeship pathways mapped to Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions, including Ophthalmic Dispen Opt/Contact Lens (median $46,560/yr). Apprenticeships offer an alternative route that combines paid work with structured training.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
Top Career Paths
Top career paths for Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions graduates by median salary.
| Career Path | Median Salary | Growth | AI-ProofAI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opticians, dispensing | $46,560 | +2.9% | 71% |
| Ophthalmic medical technicians | $44,080 | +19.8% | 67% |
About Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions Careers
Your career in eye care will place you in one of two key settings. As an ophthalmic medical technician, you’ll work in a fast-paced clinic, directly assisting an ophthalmologist. Your day will involve using diagnostic tools like tonometers to check eye pressure, conducting vision tests, and preparing patients for exams. Alternatively, as a dispensing optician, you’ll be in a retail environment, helping customers find the perfect frames and lenses. You'll use a lensometer to verify prescriptions and make precise, hands-on adjustments for a comfortable fit.
Read the full Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions career guide →