Stark State College is the only college to offer a two-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Ophthalmic Technology program in Ohio. The fully accredited program offers an associate degree, a one-year certificate, and two career enhancement certificates.
Currently, 10 students are enrolled in the freshmen class and 3 in the sophomore class in the new program. The students are very active in community service. They offer and operate a free vision-screening clinic once a month for the community and help read over 400 pairs of glasses, designated for South American missions.
One week before graduation, the students look forward to their pinning ceremony as confirmation of their achievement. Another affirmation of their accomplishments is jobs. Vision practitioners in the community welcome these students with open arms and employment post-graduation is at a 100 percent hire rate