2011 Ophthalmic Design & Dispensing Graduate Excels at National Opticians Conference Events

James Davidson, L.O., a 2011 graduate of the MxCC Ophthalmic Design and Dispensing Program earned first place in the Contact Lens Skills Challenge during the annual 2011 National Opticians Conference, which was held September 8-11 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Opticians from throughout the U.S. and Canada participated in the contest, which was hosted by the Contact Lens Society of America. Davidson also came in third place in the Optical Skills Challenge, and advanced to the final round of the National Federation of Opticianry Schools (NFOS) College Bowl, where he represented MxCC.

“James was competitive and driven as a student at MxCC and equally so as a contestant at this visible and important national conference,” said Professor Raymond Dennis, who coordinates the Ophthalmic Design and Dispensing Degree program at MxCC. “It was fun to watch him contend in these three vigorous events, and we are very proud of his accomplishments.”

In 2010, James was nationally certified by the American Board of Opticianry and by the National Contact Lens Examiners – two achievements that are required parts of the MxCC OD&D curriculum. Upon graduation he passed the Connecticut state licensing exam on his first attempt and currently is employed as a licensed optician by Sears Optical. While attending MxCC, James also completed an external fellowship in contact lenses with Professor Rene “Skip” Rivard, gaining valuable practical experience in contact lenses.

“Our two-year degree program really prepares students with the knowledge and real-world experience needed for a great career in the design and dispensing of eyeglasses, contact lenses and low-vision aids,” said Rivard, who teaches the contact lens courses at MxCC. “With this background, I was confident James would stand out among the best during the National Optician Conference, and was particularly pleased to see him take the first place in the Contact Lens Skills Challenge. It says a lot for this program.”

The National Opticians Conference (http://abo-ncle-conference.org/programs.asp) is the premier optician conference in the United States. It includes training and educational programs in spectacle lenses, frames and contact lenses, as well as opportunities for opticians to improve their technical, professional, managerial and personal performance.

Founded in 1966, Middlesex Community College (www.mxcc.commnet.edu) is an independent member of the Connecticut Community College System. The school offers more than 50 degree or certificate programs on its three locations: the main, 38-acre campus in Middletown, the downtown Meriden Center, and the shoreline in Old Saybrook. The college promotes understanding, learning, ethics, and self-discipline by encouraging critical thinking. Current enrollment exceeds 2,950 full and part-time students, and 1,600 continuing education students.