Job Description of an Optician
Every year, patients visit their ophthalmologists and optometrists for their annual eye exam. After giving the proper diagnosis, it is the optician's job to properly measure and fit patients for their prescription eyeglasses, sunglasses and contact lenses. Opticians also advise clients on the style and type of frames that would work best for their lifestyle and vision care needs.
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Function
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Opticians, also referred to as dispensing opticians, help eye patients select eyewear that is appropriate for their prescription and facial features. Opticians advise customers on fashion features such as color, style, shape and special coatings. Using tools such as microscopes and lensometers, opticians record the distance between the lenses and eye surface, and also measure the thickness, curvature and surface area of a patient's cornea.
Although ophthalmic lab technicians usually grind and fit lenses, some opticians handle the grinding and placement of prescription lenses. Opticians also are responsible for entering and maintaining client information, communicating and verifying orders with lab technicians and adjusting the frames to fit clients' personal preferences.
Education
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Though a high school diploma is the minimal requirement for an optician's job, most U.S. opticians have completed college, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). College classes focusing on algebra, trigonometry, physics and anatomy are all helpful subjects that prepare students for a career as an optician. Employers may offer apprenticeships, where opticians receive training under a licensed optometrist, ophthalmologist or experienced optician. Community colleges and universities offer opticianry programs. Depending on the state, college graduates and apprentices can apply for licensing through the American Board of Opticianry (see Resources).
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Skills
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Good oral and interpersonal communication skills are required in optician positions. Manual dexterity, patience, precision and attention to detail are required to accurately fit eyeglasses and contact lenses on patients. Since opticians deal with customers directly, customer relation skills, professionalism and a pleasant manner are essential.
Salary
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According to the BLS, the median salary for opticians in the U.S. was $32,810 as of May 2008. However, optician salaries varied based on industry. For example, opticians employed by general merchandise stores earned a median annual wage of $40,080. Opticians working in physician offices earned a median salary of $34,090. SimplyHired reports that the average salary range for opticians as of May 2010 was $31,000.
Job Growth
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Demand for fashionable eyeglasses and frames, and a greater awareness of vision care, will drive job growth for opticians, according to the BLS. In addition, aging baby boomers will help fuel the need for optical services. The BLS expects that as more professionals and consumers work with computer monitors and view items at a close distance, the demand for eye care services will increase. But new technologies such as laser eye surgery and optical measurement tools will limit the need for additional opticians between 2008 and 2018. During this period, the BLS projects that optician jobs will increase by 13 percent.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit eyeglasses image by Eldin Muratovic from Fotolia.com
