Roane State opticianry student earns honor

Roane State Community College opticianry student Ashley Ramos of Maryville won the National Federation of Opticianry Schools College Bowl competition during the organization’s fall meeting in Nashville.

The National Federation of Opticianry Schools is the national organization dedicated to the promotion of formal opticianry education offered by accredited educational institutions. Ramos is a sophomore in Roane State’s two-year opticianry program.

Opticians are licensed professionals who design and fit prescription eyeglasses, contact lenses and other specialized optical devices. Most opticians work in retail business settings and medical offices. However, some specialize in areas such as contact lens fitting, laboratory work or sales. Opticians often start their own businesses.

Ramos, 27, works two jobs while taking classes and raising her 3-year-old son.

“I want to get a job where I can work during the day and be with my son at night,” Ramos said of her motivation to pursue her degree. “I want to show him to always put forth all your effort and do everything the best that you can.”

Learn more about Roane State’s opticianry program.

Roane State is a two-year college providing transfer programs, career-preparation programs and continuing education. Founded in 1971, the college has campuses in Crossville, Harriman, Huntsville, Jamestown, Knoxville, LaFollette, Lenoir City, Oak Ridge and Wartburg.

Tennessee’s Community Colleges is a system of 13 colleges offering a high-quality, affordable, convenient and personal education to prepare students to achieve their educational and career goals in two years or less. All colleges in the system offer associate degree and certificate programs, workforce development programs and transfer pathways to four-year degrees. For more information, please visit tncommunitycolleges.org.