How to Become An Optician
Opticianry is the profession of an optician. Opticians use the prescriptions from optometrists and ophthalmologists to help their clients in selecting the right eyeglasses and contact lenses. Optician responsibilities may also overlap with the duties of ophthalmic laboratory technicians because they may have to grind lenses and fit them into frames.
A majority of opticians work in offices of optometrists. Others may work in health and personal care stores. A small minority of opticians work in departmental stores as well. Irrespective of the work settings, an optician is likely to perform the following duties on regular basis:
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Receive prescriptions from customers for contact lenses and eyeglasses
Take measurements of customers' eyes
Help customers find the right eyeglass frames or contact lenses according to their preferences and vision needs
Place orders with ophthalmic laboratory technicians
Make final adjustments to eyeglasses for a smooth fit
Refit or repair broken eyeglass frames
Order inventory, keep track of customers' prescriptions, and maintain sales record
Educate customers about eyewear
How to Become an Optician
Becoming an optician may not require a post-secondary education degree; however, a high school diploma is required along with some on-the-job training. Twenty-three states require opticians to be licensed, while others do not regulate the occupation tightly. A number of community colleges and technical schools across the US offer courses in opticianry. These courses may also be available online, which could be an option for students who cannot attend a traditional on-campus setting. Online education is offers flexibility when scheduling courses, and students may complete coursework at their own pace. Students may wish to pursue a 2-year associate's degree in opticianry or a one-year certificate. Most opticianry courses focus on optics, business management, and eye physiology.
As mentioned earlier, some states require opticians to be licensed. Gaining a license would require completing a formal education program or an apprenticeship. Some states, in addition to licensing requirements, may also require opticians to pass a written exam, certification exams, or practical exams in order to practice as an optician. Some opticians, in order to enhance their practical skills, may decide to get certified voluntarily. In that case, they should consider passing exams administered by the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) and the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE).
Opticians who possess the following qualities are likely to succeed in their career:
Customer service skills
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported more than 60,000 opticians working in the US in 2010. Between 2010 and 2020, their numbers are expected to grow in the next 10 years at the rate of 29 percent. This is faster growth than the average for all other occupations in the country. In 2010, the BLS quoted that opticians earned a median annual salary figure of almost $33,000. Opticianry is a field that is on the rise. An optician's professional life is never mundane especially if he/she enjoys helping people and has strong communication skills.
Questions / Answers
Q:How to become an optician?
A:In most states, opticians are required to have a license or a certification in this area. The Opticians Association of America is a leading agency that oversees the qualification requirements of this occupation. You must have a degree in ophthalmic dispensing or optometric technology. Browse through our page for more detail.
Q:What does an optician do?
A:An optician is a specialized Practitioner who dispenses and designs lenses for correcting vision. These professionals follow prescriptions and fit eyeglasses/contact lens. Most opticians can be found working in stores or stand-alone businesses that deal with selling eye glasses. The growth rate for this profession is steady and can turn out to be a suitable career choice.