An optician's duties include fitting eyeglasses and contact lenses, writing work orders for lab technicians and performing administrative work. This is a career where customer service skills rank high.
Find out if your state is one that requires opticians to be licensed. Check out the Opticians Association of America (oaa.org) for further information.
2
Understand that you can receive on-the-job training as an apprentice for two to four years without any related experience. Your employer is likely to be an optometrist, ophthalmologist or an optical retail store. However, be aware that some employers require previous official training before they will hire you.
3
Consider a two-year associate's degree in ophthalmic dispensing or optometric technology, or complete a one-year program, available in some states. Make certain that your choice of training is accredited by the Commission on Opticianry Accreditation. Go to "Free Stuff" on the National Academy of Opticianry Web site for a list of approved programs.
4
Ask your school's guidance counselor if your state will permit you to take your licensure exam (if required) upon graduation or if you will first need to gain some experience in the field.
5
Gain experience and then apply for renewable certification from the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) and the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE). Certified opticians are preferred, even in those states that do not require licensure. Visit the Opticians Association of America Web site for detailed information on certification.
6
Plan to take continuing education classes to renew your certification.
Tips & Warnings
Take business classes if you want to manage or own an optical store.
An optician fills eye wear prescriptions written by an optometrist. An optician fills orders to help ophthalmic technicians write prescriptions correctly. Opticians...
Opticians help clients find the right lenses and frames for their glasses based on prescriptions written by optometrists and ophthalmologists. The U.S....
Careers for Opticians. Opticians make contact lenses and glasses using the prescription ophthalmologists and optometrists write for their patients. Prescriptions give ...
Most Wal-Mart stores have Vision Centers inside the buildings for walk-in customers. This provides an affordable and convenient alternative to going elsewhere...
A pyrotechnician works with fireworks. Anyone interested in becoming a pyrotechnician must contact the state regulating agency in which the prospective pyrotechnician...
Opticians assist customers with selecting and fitting glasses and contact lenses that are practical, comfortable and stylish. They also prepare work orders...
Although opticians can't give eye examinations or prescribe corrective lenses to patients, they're essential to helping patients find the glasses or contacts...
Apprentice Optician Duties. Opticians help create eyeglasses. However, before becoming a full optician, many must go through an apprentice optician phase. The...
What Are the Requirements for an Optician's License in Florida?. Opticians assist individuals with selecting eyeglasses and contact lenses. They must follow...
Research optician salary ranges and benefits information by checking the National Association of Opticians website or visiting a local optician. Find optician...
An optician fits glasses or contact lenses for customers who received a prescription from a optometrist or ophthalmologist (eye doctor). After glasses...
Every year, patients visit their ophthalmologists and optometrists for their annual eye exam. After giving the proper diagnosis, it is the optician's...
