An optician is a licensed professional responsible for preparing eyeglasses or contact lenses according to an ophthalmologist’s or optometrist’s prescription. It might help to start by making a distinction between these op- practices. An ophthalmologist is a trained physician who specializes in eye problems, beginning with diagnosis and culminating with treatment (including eyeglasses) or surgery, as required. An optometrist diagnoses vision problems, such as near- or farsightedness, and also tests for physical problems that can affect vision, such as glaucoma, hypertension, or diabetes. After administering vision tests, optometrists often prescribe the right corrective lens. These are the prescriptions that the optician uses in customized eyeglasses. Some opticians get advanced training in fitting contact lens, as well.
Job Description
Opticians are also known as dispensing opticians. In many ways, a dispensing optician’s job is similar to that of a pharmacist, who dispenses drugs based on prescriptions written by physicians or sells over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. Both tasks require a certain amount of knowledge about pharmaceuticals. Although dispensing opticians do not write prescriptions for lens, they must understand the science and reasoning behind each prescription, and then be able to “translate” it into an effective, comfortable, and stylish product for that individual client.
Opticians work closely with customers, from young children to senior citizens. Therefore, good people skills are important, especially the ability to make customers feel at ease. Customizing and adjusting eyeglasses requires patience and attention to detail, and fitting contact lens requires a steady hand. Opticians write out the work orders that technicians in the ophthalmic lab use to grind lens and put together the components of each pair of eyeglasses, and these specifications must be meticulous and accurate.
As long as people need glasses or contact lens, they will need opticians, so job prospects in this career are good. If you have a sharp attention to detail and enjoy working with the public and helping them resolve their vision problems, it might be worth your while to investigate a career as an optician.
Duties of a Dispensing Optician
Different vision problems require different solutions, but for the majority of people, corrective lens are the answer. Good eyeglasses have lens that are individualized to correct a customer’s particular vision problems, according to an eye doctor’s evaluation and prescription. Some opticians are qualified to operate the equipment that grinds lens; others include the prescription in the work order they send to the lab.
One of the main duties of the optician is helping the customer choose the best eyeglass frames, and then adjusting these frames to suit the customer’s facial measurements. Opticians must consider the type of lens, when and how the customer will be using the glasses (a construction worker needs a different kind of eyeglasses than a computer programmer, for example)—and, of course, the customer’s style preference. The optician provides customer education on caring for eyeglasses, or using contact lenses safely. In some practices, they also are responsible for administrative tasks and record-keeping.
Education and Training
Becoming an optician requires a high school diploma or any approved GED equivalent, followed by formal education and training or an apprenticeship. The apprenticeship path requires a two to four year period of on-the-job training under the supervision of a licensed optician.
Many opticians go to college for a two-year associate degree in opticianry, which involves coursework in basic anatomy, eye anatomy, algebra and trigonometry, optical physics and mathematics, and administration. They will also learn about precision measuring equipment and techniques and optical instrumentation. More advanced studies include classes on fitting contact lens and vision prosthetics.
Whether you study at a community college or university, it is recommended that you choose an opticianry program that is accredited by the Commission on Opticianry Accreditation, a nationally recognized professional board.
Licensing and Certification
Licensing and certification requirements for dispensing opticians vary from state to state. State licenses are issued after successful completion of a practical or written examination; some states may require both. State eligibility requirements for sitting for opticianry exams also vary; some states require applicants to have an associate degree or apprenticeships of two to four years.
In addition, opticians can qualify for voluntary certification by two nationally recognized professional organizations:
- American Board of Opticianry (ABO)
- National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE)
Basic examinations in each consist of 125 multiple-choice questions. Candidates must be 18 years of age and hold a high school diploma or equivalent GED. Your certification must be renewed after three years and you are expected to keep up with developments in the field by taking a certain number of approved continuing education courses.
Even though this certification is not mandated, some states recognize the certificate, and many employers—and customers—prefer an optician who has an ABO and/or NCLE.
Job Prospects and Salary
As a licensed or certified optician, you should have many job opportunities. Most dispensing opticians work for an optometrist who has an office practice or in an eye wear store. There are now many types of stores that sell eyeglasses and contact lens, from specialized shops to department stores. Opticians may also find employment with eye doctors (ophthalmologists). Keeping up to date with changes in the industry and developments in products will give you an edge in the job market.
The average annual wage for an optician is $34,800. Jobs at surgical hospitals pay more than most walk-in eye care stores, and opticians in New Jersey and Connecticut have higher average salaries than those in other parts of the country.
Most people expect to have their vision problems taken care of, either with the right pair of eyeglasses or contact lens. As an optician, you will be taking care of these clients by fitting them with the best eyewear for their particular needs.