BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Opticians help fit eyeglasses or contact lenses for persons needing prescription eyewear. Opticians follow the prescription of an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) or optometrist (vision specialists) to find the correct lenses. Opticians are responsible for fitting the lens to the correct size for the eyeglass frame. After inserting the lens into the frame, the optician adjusts the frames and fits them properly onto the client’s face. Opticians also repair and replace eyeglasses’ parts.

The optician then orders the lenses and instructs the client on how to insert, remove, and care for the contact lenses. The client is then referred back to the eye doctor for examination. The dispensing optician does not examine eyes or prescribe lenses.

HOW DO I BECOME AN OPTICIAN?

High school preparation for optician training would include course work in:

  • Physics
  • Algebra
  • Geometry
  • Mechanical drawing
  • Business management

A high school diploma or its equivalency (GED) is required. Opticians are trained through either on-the-job apprenticeships or through a formal optician educational program at a community college, vocational-technical school, or the armed forces. On-the-job apprenticeship programs generally last 3 to 4 years. Formal education programs are 24 months in length and award associate degrees upon graduation.

Many states require dispensing opticians to be licensed in order to practice (Louisiana does not). Dispensing opticians sometimes specialize by receiving additional training as an ophthalmic laboratory technician or as an ocularist, who makes and fits artificial eyes.

WHAT WILL I LEARN IN SCHOOL?

Formal educational programs and approved apprenticeship programs provide information on:

  • Optical theory
  • Optical laboratory technology
  • Anatomy and physiology of the eye
  • Ophthalmic dispensing
  • Business management and sales

Clinical experience is a valuable component to formal education programs and is the predominant mode of teaching in apprenticeship programs.

LIFE AFTER GRADUATION

The employment outlook is good for opticians through the next decade. Most opticians are employed in retail optical shops. Others work for ophthalmologists, optometrists, or ophthalmic goods manufacturers or wholesalers. Opticians normally work a 40 hour week during normal business operating hours.

CareerOneStop.org – Video of Optician

PROFESSIONAL INFORMATION SOURCES:

The National Academy of Opticianry

http://www.nao.org/

Bureau of Labor Statistics

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/opticians-dispensing.htm#tab-1

 

 Last Updated: April 3, 2015