Become an Optician

As an optician (or "dispensing optician"), you'll fill eyewear prescriptions written by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. You'll write work orders to help ophthalmic lab technicians correctly fill the prescription, while helping patients select the frames and lens styles that best suit their facial features.

Optician Job Description

Your daily duties as an optician will likely include the following:

• Talking with clients to get a sense of which type of glasses would be most appropriate for their range of activities
• Taking clients' facial measurements
• Customizing the fit of glasses to suit client's faces by making adjustments to the frames
• Keeping customer records up-to-date
• Working with insurance companies to maximize your clients' benefits
• Tracking sales and inventory

With more specialized training, you might also fit contact lenses, artificial eyes and coverings for damaged eyes.

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Ophthalmologist vs. Optometrist vs. Optician

An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor licensed to practice medicine and perform eye surgery. Ophthalmologists treat and diagnose eye diseases, prescribe medication and also fit patients with glasses and contact lenses.

An optometrist, although not a medical doctor, has a post-bachelor's degree in optometry and is licensed to practice optometry. In addition to performing eye exams and prescribing glasses and contact lenses, in some states optometrists are also licensed to prescribe drugs for eye problems and perform eye surgeries, such as foreign-body removal.

Opticians work with optometrists and ophthalmologists by filling their prescriptions and dispensing eyewear.

Optician Salary

According to Salary.com, the middle 50 percent of opticians earn between $35,830 and $42,918 per year. The top 10 percent earn an annual salary of 45,630 or more.

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Optician Work Environment

Opticians usually work in a medical office or in a retail environment. Both full- and part-time positions are generally available.

Optician Education & Training

In addition to having your GED or high school diploma, you'll need to complete an accredited optician program, usually a 1- to 2-year certificate, diploma or associate degree program. Coursework generally includes the following:

• Physics
• Biology
• Algebra
• Geometry
• Geometrical optics
• Ophthalmic optics

You'll also be trained in the use of optical instruments, machinery and tools.

Optician Certification

Regulations vary from state to state, however certification is highly recommended because most employers require it. The American Board of Opticianry (ABO) and the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) offer national certification and testing for opticians. Opticians must re-certify every 3 years.

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