Dispensing Opticians Training Program

Dispensing Opticians Certificate Program ($99) 

September 1, 2026 - December 10, 2026
Hybrid Program: Online, and at San Mateo Adult School, 789 E Poplar Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401.

*This course is accessible only to students who live in the San Francisco Bay Area*
 

**Read our Program policies regarding refunds/dropping classes here**

Overview

The Optical Industry is an ever growing industry that has a need for essential workers who are passionate about helping others by rewarding them with the gift of sight, comfort, and fashion. In the San Francisco Bay Area, the number of Opticians, Dispensing is expected to grow faster than average growth rate for all occupations. Jobs for Opticians, Dispensing are expected to increase by 13.7 percent, or 70 jobs between 2016 and 2026.(Via CA.gov Labor Market Info) 

Cañada College Continuing Education and San Mateo Adult & Career Education (San Mateo Adult School) have partnered to offer the Dispensing Opticians Certificate Program, taught by licensed instructor Lynnette Garcia. The Dispensing Opticians Training Program provides students the foundational work to not only begin a career in optical, but also to acquire ABO board certification, leading to better paying jobs and more opportunity for career advancement in the optical industry. Students will sign up for the ABO exam during this course.

Earn your ABO License

Upon completion of this program, students will take the national ABO examination to obtain a license to practice in California. Students will have a selection of job opportunities through large to small optical retail locations, hospitals, private practices with optometrists and ophthalmologists.

Class meeting Dates and Times

*This course is accessible only to students who live in the San Francisco Bay Area*

Students will be required to meet for class twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-8:45pm via Zoom with their instructor, with the exception of in person lab sessions, dates and times for which to be determined. 

 

Week 1	Sep 1, 2026 Sep 3, 2026
Week 2	Sep 8, 2026 Sep 10, 2026
Week 3 LAB	Sep 15, 2026  Sep 17, 2026 /   Lab #1 in person
Week 4	Sep 22, 2026 Sep 24, 2026
Week 5	Sep 29, 2026  Oct 1, 2026
Week 6  LAB	Oct 6, 2026  Oct 8, 2026  LAB#2 in person
Week 7	Oct 13, 2026  Oct 15, 2026
Week 8 LAB	Oct 20, 2026 -  Oct 22, 2026     LAB#3 in person
Week 9	Oct 27, 2026 Oct 29, 2026
Week 10 LAB	Nov 3, 2026 Nov 5, 2026 LAB#4 in person
Week 11	Nov 10, 2026  Nov 12, 2026
Week 12	Nov 17, 2026  Nov 19, 2026 LAB#5 in person (Field Trip)
Week **	Nov 24, 2026 HOLIDAY BREAK No Class Nov 26, 2026 HOLIDAY BREAK  No Class
Week 13	Dec 1, 2026  - Dec 3, 2026  -
Week 14 LAB	Dec 8, 2026 -  Dec 10, 2026 - LAB #6

 

Lab dates and COVID Practices

Students will be required to attend 6 in person Lab Sessions at San Mateo Adult & Career Education will be enforcing state standard sanitary protocol and procedures to accommodate a safe and sterile lab experience for the students. The lab sessions are mandatory for completion of the certificate.

Lab Dates 

September 17, 2026 - 6-9pm

October 8, 2026 - 6-9pm

October 22, 2026 - 6-9pm

November 5, 2026 - 6-9pm

November 19, 2026  - 6-9pm (FIELD TRIP)

December 10, 2026 - 6-9pm

Please contact lgarcia@smuhsd.org with any concerns regarding the lab section

 

Student Requirements

• Must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent

• Be fluent in conversational English

• Must be comfortable with basic algebraic math skills

• Must have a working computer, internet access, and basic calculator 

• Must be able to travel for lab sessions located in San Mateo, CA at 789 E Poplar Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401 on scheduled lab class days.

• Students will sign up for the ABO exam during the course

 

About the Instructor: Lynnette Garcia, ABOC

Lynnette Garcia is an American Board Certified Optician with over 25 years of experience in the Optical field. She has managed and worked in optical boutiques, private practices, and retail corporate settings such as Oakley Sport Performance where she contributed as a consultant and lead optician aiding in the development of a program to disrupt the eyewear industry. Lynnette also has training as a Health and Leadership Coach and outstanding interpersonal skills which have given her the ability to work with individuals, executives, doctors and staff at all levels over the course of her career.

 

Technical Requirements & Specs

• A computer running a compatible web browser (see below)

• Stable Internet connection (video interaction is not available offline)

• Speakers/headphones, microphone, and web-camera to hear audio from a computer (videos have subtitles as an alternative) 

• Lessons can be completed on any desktop computer, smart phone, or tablet

• Students will also need to ensure they have permission to download the Zoom app to the computer (e.g., if using a loaner or shared computer such as in a library) Supported Web Browsers Google Chrome and Firefox

• Performance will be suboptimal on Internet Explorer; Windows users should download Chrome or use Microsoft Edge (included in Windows 10)

 

Questions about registration? Please email 

Lynette Garcia: lgarcia@smuhsd.org

Jasmine Jaciw: jaciwj@smccd.edu